The ruins of the Heidelberg Palace are one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. The first mention of a castle in the area dates from 1214 when Louis I, Duke of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach took over the palace. A second castle was built during the late 13th century; however, the upper castle was destroyed by a lightning bolt in 1537. The complex had been further expanded by 1650; nevertheless, another lightning bolt destroyed some of the rebuilt structures in 1764.
The architecture of the complex is mostly in Renaissance tradition while some older sections are in Gothic style. For instance, the Ruprecht’s Wing, the oldest residential castle in the complex, has elegant Gothic elements in its design like its ribbed vaults. On the other hand, the arcades along the Hall of Glass are characteristics of Early Renaissance palace architecture in Germany. Accordingly, The Ottheinrich’s Wing, whose construction began in 1556, is considered an ideal German Renaissance palace.
The preservation efforts in Heidelberg Palace began in the late 19th century, and some parts were rebuilt in their original style. For example, Friedrich’s Wing was reconstructed in 1900 in its original design and decorated in the Renaissance Revival style. Its interior had adorned wooden door jambs and a ceiling with stucco and frescoes.
