Heidenloch, Medieval mine shaft on Heiligenberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
The Heidenloch is a vertical shaft on Heiligenberg with a depth of around 55 meters and a diameter between 3 and 4 meters. The walls are lined with bricks throughout, which keeps the shaft stable and accessible to explore.
The shaft was explored in 1936 by workers from the Palatinate Museum, who discovered metal objects such as keys, horseshoes, and stirrups. These findings suggest the shaft was used over a long period of time.
A line drawing of a woman's face is scratched into the shaft wall at about 22 meters depth and remains visible to visitors today. This simple figure shows how people left their marks at this location across the centuries.
A protective shelter built in 1987 protects the shaft from weather damage while allowing visitors and researchers safe access. Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing, as the depths stay cool throughout the year.
Researchers believe the shaft originally served as a water source for early inhabitants or during Roman times. This theory is supported by the depth and construction of the shaft, though definitive proof remains elusive.
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