Ottheinrichsbau, Renaissance palace wing in Heidelberg Castle, Germany.
The Ottheinrich Wing is a Renaissance palace section featuring a grand facade covered with ornate decorative elements, outsized emperor sculptures, and extensive windows across multiple floors. Its structure displays typical Renaissance architecture with heavily embellished masonry and balanced proportions.
The wing was built between 1556 and 1559, then suffered severe damage from French troops in 1693 and a lightning strike in 1764. Following these destructions, the structure was repeatedly restored and rebuilt.
The facade displays depictions of ancient heroes and Roman emperors, embodying Renaissance ideals of power and authority. These sculptures tell of the prince's desire to position himself within the tradition of great historical rulers.
The German Apothecary Museum is located in the basement and can be visited, while rotating exhibitions are held upstairs. Access is via stairs, and visitors should wear good footwear since the entire complex sits on uneven historic ground.
The original outsized sculptures from the facade were moved indoors for protection, with replicas maintaining the exterior appearance. This means visitors can study the actual artworks in a controlled environment while the facade retains its original visual impact.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
