Heidelberg Castle 2.8.19
There are two main parts of the day again today. This morning we visit Heidelberg and the castle is the prime location. The castle suffered much demolition in the 17th and 18th centuries and has only been partially reconstructed. Lightning strikes in 1537 and then again in 1764 with intervening wars and fires led to Mark Twain recording it as a ruin in 1880. Reconstruction was between 1897 and 1900.
Great Heidelberg Tun 2.8.19
The Great Heidelberg Tun lives within the cellars of the Castle. It was constructed in 1751 and currently holds 219000 litres. The construction requires 130 oak trees but no longer sees use as a wine barrel – it is simply a tourist attraction with the construction above being a dance area. Even Mark Twain refers to it as being empty on his visit in 1880.
So no wine tasting today.
Heidelberg Funicular 2.8.19
Access to the Castle requires use of a funicular so at least there is a small element of rail travel today. This is the lower cable car – there is apparently a further conveyance to the King’s Seat but I have no record that we made use of that.
Rastatt Palace 2.8.19
This evening we visit another location – Rastatt Palace. Instead of being entertained on board we are this evening attending a concern in the above.
Concert Room 2.8.19
We have an opportunity to see inside the palace and before anyone took a seat I was able to grab a shot of the magnificent concert room. The palace was constructed for Louis William of Baden-Baden between 1700 and 1707, his previous residence having been destroyed by French troops. It is the oldest Baroque residence in the Upper Rhine area and was based to an extent on the Palace of Versailles. The concert was held in what is known as the Prunksaal and I have not really captured the elegance of the room.