Truly romantic: the world-famous ruins
Heidelberg Palace
Exterior view of Heidelberg Castle

For raucous partiesHeidelberg's ceremonial halls

Each of the prince-electors of the Palatinate had their own residence built on the castle grounds. A large ceremonial hall was an important part of any residence and was a status symbol, a demonstration of power and a grandly furnished stage for many celebrations.

Interior of the King's Hall in the Ladies’ Wing at Heidelberg Castle

The King's Hall in the Ladies’ Wing.

The first stateroom

The royal parlor was located on the ground floor of the Ladies’ Wing until 1619. Daily meals were taken here. After Friedrich V's rise to king, it was renamed the "King's Hall." This space was the castle's first large ceremonial hall. The fact that the wine could be pumped into the hall directly from the neighboring (Great) Heidelberg Tun is particularly impressive. After the ceremonial halls in the Hall of Glass and the Ottheinrich’s Wing were completed, the King's Hall lost its importance as the prince-electors' stateroom. 

Detail of the Hall of Glass at Heidelberg Castle

The Hall of Glass, half hidden by the Ottheinrich’s Wing.

Venetian splendor in the Electoral Palatinate

With the Hall of Glass, Prince-Elector Friedrich II created a highly modern, representative residence. After his marriage to Dorothea of Denmark, he had hopes of ascending the Danish throne and asserted this claim in how he decorated his residence. The building's name is taken from its primary point of attraction: inside, a magnificent ceremonial hall, once decorated with Venetian mirror glass. The building is half hidden by the Ottheinrich’s Wing, built at a later date.

Interior of the Imperial Hall in the Ottheinrich’s Wing at Heidelberg Castle

The Imperial Hall with allegorical statues.

The Imperial Hall in the Ottheinrich’s Wing

The most famous building at Heidelberg Castle is the Ottheinrich’s Wing, with its splendid facade. It is one of the earliest Renaissance palaces in Germany. The interior, which Prince-Elector Ottheinrich had furnished between 1556 and 1559, housed living quarters, an audience chamber and a large ceremonial hall. It was apparently named "Imperial Hall" in honor of Emperor Maximilian II's visit to Heidelberg.

Interior of Knights' Hall in the Ruprecht’s Wing at Heidelberg Castle

The 15th-century Knights' Hall.

The Knights' Hall

On the ground floor of the Ruprecht’s Wing, is one of the oldest structures within the castle: the Knights' Hall. This space still has the deep, downward drawn groined vaults and load-bearing center column from the 15th century. The hall is decorated with coats of arms at the vault keystones and with ornamental discs. A drain was also installed in the wall, which served as a spittoon for those who had overindulged in drink.

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