Heidelberg

Heidelberg was the capital of the Electorate of the Palatinate and is home to a giant abandoned castle straight from Resident Evil.

It was pretty abandoned due to COVID and the weather; I think the castle is a very popular tourist attraction in warmer months.

A cadet branch of the House of Wittelsbach ruled from Heidelberg Castle. After being built up from the 1100s to the 1500s, it fell into disrepair after Frederick V, the Winter King, played his cards wrong during the Thirty Years War.

 

During the 30 Years War, Heidelberg was attacked by the Holy Roman Empire and the Swedes, causing the first part of its destruction.

Later the French and Germans fought over succession of the lands of the Palatinate, and the French strategically destroyed much of Heidelberg in the late 1600s.

The Castle was completely abandoned when the Elector Palatine, who was Catholic, grew tired of dealing with his Protestant subjects, and moved his court to Mannheim.

There is a little pharmacy museum inside Heidelberg Castle.

This pelican is feeding its offspring with its own blood. An odd sign for a pharmacy.

There was also a wine tasting venue that was shut down due to COVID.

All I wanted was to be served wine by Perkeo, Heidelberg's jester.

Behold the largest wine barrel in Germany! Europe? The World?!

Heidelberg is a strange place to visit off-season. Miss the crowds, feel like you survived the Apocalypse.