Heidelberg Castle Editorial Image

Heidelberg Castle is a famous ruin in Germany and landmark of Heidelberg on the Neckar River, Germany. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. The castle has only been partially rebuilt since its demolition in the 17th and 18th centuries. It dominates the view of the old downtown. The earliest castle structure was built before 1214 and later expanded into two castles at approximately 1294. In 1537 a lightning-bolt destroyed the upper castle. The present structures had been expanded by 1650 before it was damaged by wars and fires. In 1764 it was struck by lightning again. A resulting fire destroyed some of the rebuilt sections.