The Old University on Heidelberg’s Universitätsplatz is a Baroque landmark at the heart of Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386. Built in the early 18th century, it remains a symbol of the institution’s long influence on European scholarship and intellectual life.
Inside, the historic Great Hall, or Alte Aula, is a richly decorated ceremonial room lined with portraits and paintings. Its current appearance dates largely from the university’s 500th-anniversary celebrations in 1886. The hall is still used for academic events, giving visitors a glimpse of a tradition that continues beyond the museum displays.
Allow time, too, for the Studentenkarzer, the former student prison behind the Old University. Its graffiti-covered walls reveal a more irreverent side of university life, with generations of students leaving drawings and inscriptions during their confinement. Check current opening times and ticket arrangements before visiting, as access to the Great Hall can be limited by university events. A weekday morning is a good choice for a quieter walk through Heidelberg’s Old Town.