We started out early in the morning, after a pretty good nights rest, from Schwetzingen heading for Heidelberg. Heidelberg was a major military area for the US during the 2nd world war. We saw the buildings where the military were housed - now these units are being used to house refugees.
Isabella, our local guide, got us on the funicular to take us up to the Heidelberg Palace.
The Heidelberg Palace is set against the deep green forest on Konigstull Hill. These beautiful red sandstone ruins tower majestically over the Neckar Valley. The palace looks over the old town centre of Heidelberg. The palace was repeatedly attached by the French in the late 17th Century. The Heidelberg Palacebecame "a wonder of the world" and it's fame continues to live on to this day.
Looking down from the Palace to Old Heidelberg.
Enjoying a sample of wine from their own winery.
We crossed over the Neckar River, on the Karl Theodor Bridge known as the Old Bridge, which joins the two sides of Heidelberg, to get to the Philosophers' Walk. The trail is on the north side of the Neckar River. It is a wonderful pathway that runs along the side of Heidelberg and Saints' Mountain. Walking up was step but steady. This is where the university's philosophers would walk. The views across the Neckar to the old town were incredible.
The Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens was built as a summer residence under Prince Elector Carl Theodor. A masterpiece, of more than 180 acres, of rare beauty was created. A mix of French and English styles compose more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout the landscape, an assortment of whimsical buildings, the Temple of Apollo, a bath house (summerhouse) and a Turkish Gardens with a mosque. It was a very impressive sight of beauty and harmony.
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