Church of the Holy Spirit

Rising above Heidelberg’s Old Town, the Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche) is the city’s best‑known landmark and a window into its layered past. Begun in the 15th century, this late Gothic hall church once housed the Palatinate’s famed library and served both Protestant and Catholic congregations, reflected in its versatile interior. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the Neckar, Heidelberg Castle, and the red‑roofed Altstadt, or step inside to see slender columns and stained glass. Centrally located on Marktplatz, it’s an easy, worthwhile stop for history, architecture, and city‑scape photography.