The Heidelberg Castle — arguably Germany's most important Rennaisance-era structure — has had its problems staying up. Originally built around the turn of the 12th century, the castle has been struck numerous times by lightning bolts, suffered massive fires, a munitions explosion, battle attacks (the Nine Years War, Thirty Years' War, succession wars, etc.) and the cruel decay of time. Still, sitting high atop the city of Heidelberg, the castle remains a sense of pride for its people and a beautiful symbol of the romantic era. 
Nina, my friend and local tour guide, decides we should bypass the tram up to the castle and take the stairs (bottom left). The sign said there were 308 of them, but there were closer to 320 (but who's counting), and the idea certainly sounded better at the start of the hike than anywhere in between. Once on top, however, we have a gorgeous view of the castle and the town it once ruled.
Inside the castle, there's a beautiful courtyard that features a makeshift stage for summer performances, but the most scenic sights came from the grand terrace and the enormous garden. According to my tourist map, the 
geometrically designed terraces were once classed as the "eighth wonder of the world" (that's pushing it), but the Salomon de Caus-designed landscape is certainly tranquil and alluring.
There are also various remnants of history throughout the castle. The tower remains in ruins from the munitions explosion (right), a heavy door where a witch apparently ate away part of the wood behind the ring in an attempt to escape (bottom middle) and a footstep embedded in the ground (below right) where a knight apparently landed after jumping from the Queen's window (you mean the King didn't call before he came home?).
If you are within the heart of Heidelberg, the castle is almost always within in sight. It's one of the city's true highlights and should not be missed on any trip to the area. 
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