Heidelberg << HYD uhl burg >> (pop. 146,751) is a city in southern Germany. Heidelberg lies in a scenic setting along the Neckar River. The ruins of beautiful Heidelberg Castle, begun in the 1200’s or 1300’s but built mostly in the 1500’s and 1600’s, stand high on a steep bank of the river and overlook the city. Concerts and an annual summer drama festival are held at the castle. The picturesque old section of the city is the home of the University of Heidelberg. The university, which was founded in 1386, is Germany’s oldest university and still one of its most outstanding seats of learning.
Heidelberg’s quaint features have inspired romantic works about the city. Sigmund Romberg’s operetta The Student Prince is perhaps the most famous of these works. Many tourists visit Heidelberg and contribute greatly to the economy. Important products include cement, precision instruments, and printing machinery.
Heidelberg was developed in the Middle Ages. In the late 1600’s, French armies destroyed most of the city and left the castle in ruins.
