Town Hall/Rathaus, Heidelberg

The townhall is located at the eastern end of the central market square. It was constructed in baroque style from 1701 to 1703 because the former townhall had been destroyed by French troops. The building was renovated after a fire on carnival monday in a neoclassic style to harmonise the different styles of the building. Other parts have been added in 1886 and 1961.
As you can see, it is quite a nice and pretty building which adds to the atmosphere of the old town.

The baroque Town Hall of Heidelberg, with an imposing bell tower and a richly decorated balcony, with masks and the coat of arms of the duke elector dates back to 1701/1703. It is located on the central square between the "Heiliggeistkirche" and the Kornmarkt square.

Heidelberg's 18th century Rathaus is a bit of a mixed affair since the first town hall was destroyed by the French in 1689 and the one built after that was raged by fire in the early 20th century. Still, it is a nice building in the Market Place. We were here in November but I guess the square itself is full of life in summer when the cafes here move outside.

The former building of the today’s town hall was destroyed by French troops in 1689. The new foundation stone for Heidelberg's new town hall was laid some 12 years later in 1701.. Due to a fire, the town hall had to be reconstructed again in 1908. Just south of the townhall there used to be houses but these had to be pulled down when reconstruction began to become part of the new townhall. A small bell tower as well as another building was added in 1961.

The predecessor of the present day town hall was destroyed by French troups in 1689. The foundation-stone for Heidelberg's new town hall was laid in 1701. Chief Engineer Flemal was responsible for sketching out the plan for the building located in the middle of the complex. The sculpture showing masks and the Prince Elector's coat of arms was created by the Hungarian sculpturist Heinrich Charrasky who lived and worked in Heidelberg from 1710 to 1720.

The Rokoko gratings of the balcony carrying the initials of Prince Elector Karl Theodor were added in 1751. From 1703 till 1914, the assembly hall was located behind the balcony, i.e. in the adjacent northern rooms. Due to a fire, the town hall had to be reconstructed in 1908. Several houses located south of the building along the "Hauptstrasse" were pulled down and replaced by the new building which was to become part of the town hall. The east building of the town hall had been built before, in 1886. Another building including a small bell tower was added here in 1961. It replaced the "Gasthaus zum Großen Faß" which had been located here from 1720 to 1956, a historic restaurant with the shape of the Castle's "Big Barrel".

The townhall is near the Heiliggeistchurch, the place is the market place. In summer time, there are lots of cafés and restaurants, where you can take a drink or a meal. But the have tourist proces there!

The town hall at the market square was built in 1701. There's a little bell tower on its roof which plays a melody every once in a while. At least it played when I was there sitting at Kornmarkt listening to a Finnish tour group and understanding nothing...

This is the Heidelburg town hall. A facinating building with the different style of architecture as it looks like Louis IVX French, but it's definately German here!!

Take a stroll into the heart of Heidelberg.
Stop by the Rathaus & experience the magic of this medieval city.