Marktplatz, Heidelberg

The Marktplatz (German for Marketplace) is a central square in Heidelberg's old town, the Altstadt.

The Hauptstrasse runs along one side and the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Town Hall [de] are located on the square.

At the eastern end of the Marktplatz is the Town Hall and the Church of the Holy Spirit dominates the western part of the square.

The Hercules fountain, which stands in the centre of the square, commemorates the enormous efforts to rebuild the city after it was sacked in the War of the Palatine Succession.

The Martplatz was also used as a car park when the Hauptstrasse was still open to vehicle traffic, but since the end of the 1970s it is only accessible on foot.

The Marktplatz, seen from the Church of the Holy Spirit . The Town Hall [ de ] is visible at left, and Heidelberg Castle in the background at centre.
The Marktplatz in 1965, when still open to cars and trams.