Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Church · Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
Heiliggeistkirche
Gothic church in the Marktplatz, begun in 1398, which housed the Bibliotheca Palatina and contains the tomb of King Ruprecht. For over two centuries it had a wall dividing Catholics and Protestants. The tower has a viewing platform.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Heiliggeistkirche
The Heiliggeistkirche is the main church of the Altstadt, located in the center of Marktplatz. The foundation stone was laid in 1398, the choir was finished in 1411 and the nave in 1441; the tower was completed in 1544. Between the outer pillars there are still small shops attached to the walls, an old marketplace tradition.
In the church galleries, where the light was good for reading, the Bibliotheca Palatina operated — one of the most important libraries in Europe in the 16th century. In 1622, during the Thirty Years' War, troops of the Catholic League took the manuscripts to Rome, where they entered the Vatican Library; in 1816, 847 German manuscripts returned to the University of Heidelberg.
The church also housed the tombs of the prince-electors, destroyed in the war at the end of the 17th century. Only that of the founder, King Ruprecht III, remained. From 1706 to 1936, with interruptions, a wall divided the church so Catholics and Protestants could pray at the same time; today it is Protestant.
A narrow stairway of 208 steps leads to a viewing platform inside the tower, 38 meters high, with views of the castle, the rooftops and the Neckar.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes for the nave. Add about 30 minutes if you climb the tower.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, outside service times. For the tower, choose clear days. Check visiting hours and tower opening times before you go, as they vary by season.
How to get there
It is on Marktplatz, in the center of the Altstadt. Within walking distance from the Hauptstraße, or by tram and bus to the Rathaus/Bergbahn stop, about a 3-minute walk.
Tip
The ascent to the tower is via a narrow, steep stairway—there is no elevator. Remember it's a place of worship: speak quietly and avoid moving around during services.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Heiliggeistkirche
Can you go up the tower?
Yes, there is a viewpoint inside the tower at 38 meters, reached by a narrow staircase of 208 steps. The tower has its own opening hours: check before you go.
What was the Bibliotheca Palatina?
It was the library of the Elector Princes of the Palatinate, kept in the church galleries. In 1622 the manuscripts were taken to Rome, to the Vatican Library; part of them—847 German-language manuscripts—returned to Heidelberg in 1816.
Why was there a wall inside the church?
To divide the space between Catholics and Protestants, who used the same church at the same time. The wall was erected in 1706, removed and rebuilt several times, and finally taken down in 1936.