Center for science and research

Heidelberg is located in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region and is one of the largest cities in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Founded in 1386, the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg is the oldest university in Germany. The city is also home to numerous other important institutions and has an international reputation as a center for science and research. After World War II, Heidelberg became the headquarters of the U.S. Army in Europe. Before the base was relocated to Wiesbaden in 2013, about 10% of Heidelberg's population were Americans.

Heidelberg Castle and the Old Bridge

Heidelberg's most famous attractions are Heidelberg Castle and the Old Bridge. Built shortly after the city's documented founding in 1196, Heidelberg Castle was the residence of the prince-electors and is now one of the most visited ruins in Europe. The Karl Theodor Bridge, or Old Bridge, was completed in 1788 and is named after its patron, Elector Karl Theodor. A unique detail of the structure is the Heidelberg Bridge Monkey, a bronze statue of a monkey holding a mirror.

The largest wine barrel in the world

Inside the castle, next to the Königssaal (King's Hall), is the Great Heidelberg Tun. The wine barrel is 8.5 m (27.9 ft) long, 7 m (23 ft) wide and has a volume of about 200,000 liters (52,834 U.S. gallons). However, it was only filled three times because it was leaking. A famous figure in the city's history is Perkeo (1702–1735), the keeper of the Tun. Perkeo was a dwarf from Tyrol who served as a jester to the elector and was known for his drinking. His nickname comes from the legend that he was once asked if he could empty the big barrel by himself. His reply was "perché no?", which is Italian for "why not?".

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