Ruprecht-Karls-Universität

Heidelberg


Established in 1386 by Count Palatinate Ruprecht I, Germany’s oldest and most prestigious university comprises 12 faculties with 30,000 German and international students, and has an esteemed alumni that includes a roll-call of Nobel Laureates. The most historic facilities are around Universitätsplatz, dominated by the Alte Universität (1712–28; on the south side) and the Neue Universität (1931; on the north side), the ‘old’ and ‘new’ university buildings respectively. Nearby stands the Löwenbrunnen (Lions Fountain).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Heidelberg attractions

1. Universitätsmuseum

0.02 MILES

The three-room University Museum, inside the Alte Universität building of Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, has paintings, portraits, documents and photos from…

2. Studentenkarzer

0.04 MILES

From 1823 to 1914, students convicted of misdeeds such as public inebriation, loud nocturnal singing, freeing the local pigs or duelling were sent to this…

3. Jesuitenkirche

0.09 MILES

Rising above an attractive square just east of Universitätsplatz, the red-sandstone Jesuits’ church, with an all-white interior, is a fine example of 18th…

4. Universitätsbibliothek

0.12 MILES

The University Library was built in massive Wilhelmian style from 1901 to 1905. Upstairs you can see rare books and prints from its superb collections in…

5. Kurpfälzisches Museum

0.13 MILES

The city-run Palatinate Museum chronicles Heidelberg’s eventful past, particularly the Roman period – exhibits include original wood beams from a 3rd…

6. Heiliggeistkirche

0.19 MILES

For bird’s-eye views, climb the 208 stairs to the top of the tower of Heidelberg's famous church, constructed between 1398 and 1441. It was shared by…

7. Hercules Fountain

0.22 MILES

In the middle of the Marktplatz is the Hercules fountain; in medieval times petty criminals were chained to it and left to face the populace.

8. Marktplatz

0.22 MILES

The Marktplatz is the focal point of Altstadt street life.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "germany/baden-wurttemberg/heidelberg/attractions/ruprecht-karls-universitaet/a/poi-sig/463016/359346",
      "destination": "Heidelberg",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Germany",
      "city": "Heidelberg",
      "position": "superzone"
    }