Sights
University Library Heidelberg
The library achieved great fame in the 16th century, when Elector Ottheinrich brought together various book collections to form the Bibliotheca Palatina. Through further purchases, donations and inheritances, the library grew to become “the most important book treasure of scholarly Germany”. However, the end of the collection was approaching in the Thirty Years War. In 1622 the Catholic League under General Tilly conquered the city of Heidelberg. As a result, almost the entire book collection was confiscated and transported to the Vatican in Rome.
- District
- Altstadt
- Getting there
- Open route
The University Library of the Ruprecht-Karls-University in Heidelberg All Details
The University Library
The Heidelberg University Library on the corner of Plöck/Grabengasse is the central library of the Ruprecht-Karls-University. The impressive building from the beginning of the 20th century captivates with its red sandstone facade, which was modelled on the style of Heidelberg Castle. Furthermore, numerous elements and details from the Art Nouveau period can be found both outside and inside. Since its construction about 100 years ago, the building has repeatedly reached its capacity limits and has therefore been extended several times. Today, the library system holds around 6.2 million volumes plus other media such as microfilms, videos, CDs, etc. In addition to the main building, there is also a branch library in Neuenheimer Feld (since 1978) as well as a deep storeroom under the inner courtyard of the New University.
Only part of the Bibliotheca Palatina is in Heidelberg today: in 1816, the Vatican returned 847 German-language manuscripts. The most famous copy is the Manessische Liederhandschrift, an extensive German song manuscript. It was probably not among the books that were taken away and was probably taken into exile by the “Winter King” Friedrich V. Later it came into the French royal library in Paris. In 1888, through the mediation of a Strasbourg bookseller, the precious piece returned to Heidelberg. Today, in the museum rooms of the University Library, one can admire facsimiles of various historical books and writings. Changing exhibitions complete the offer.
Location & Directions
The University Library is located in Heidelberg’s Old Town right next to St. Peter’s Church. From the Hauptstraße it is not far to the University Library. So it is worth taking the small detour to have a look at the impressive building. The ArtHotel is also located right next to the library.
If you are not from Heidelberg or if you are in another corner of Heidelberg, you can also reach the university library quite easily by bus. The bus stop Universitätsplatz is located below the library in Grabengasse, near the cafeteria. The Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage bus stop is also nearby. Both stops are served by many bus lines and have good connections to **Heidelberg main station. **
Tours & Tickets
Tours & Tickets nearby
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