The Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche) rises above Heidelberg’s Marktplatz, its red sandstone walls and distinctive tower anchoring the old town skyline. Begun in 1398 under Elector Rupert III, the late Gothic church served as a burial place for the rulers of the Palatinate. Rupert’s tomb remains inside, a reminder of Heidelberg’s former political importance.
The church also played a central role in the city’s intellectual and religious history. It once housed the Bibliotheca Palatina, a celebrated collection seized during the Thirty Years’ War and taken to Rome. For nearly two centuries, a wall divided the interior so Catholic and Protestant congregations could worship separately. Today it is a Protestant church and an active place of worship.
Inside, take time to appreciate the spacious Gothic interior before climbing the tower for views across the Neckar, the old town rooftops and Heidelberg Castle. Check tower opening times in advance, as they can vary seasonally; there is a separate charge for the climb. Visiting on a weekday morning can offer a quieter look at both the church and the often-busy Marktplatz.