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Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket: Bright stars will be shooting down from a dark summer sky during Heidelberg´s famous castle illuminations and fireworks. The open air events will start after dusk (10:15 p.m.).
In the preceding hours visitors can enjoy a concert at the Church of the Holy Spirit, starting at 6:15 p.m. - a perfect program for a romantic Heidelberg weekend.
The fireworks and castle illuminations have a most interesting background: They originated in 1613 when newly-wed Prince Elector Frederic V welcomed his young wife to Heidelberg. The English princess Elizabeth Stuart was received with due respect and a splendid event. The castle was illuminated by bright colors, and star balls were to be seen high above the Neckar River. Today, the star balls highlight the Heidelberg summer.
If the French General Melac and his troops had not destroyed and burned down Heidelberg Castle over 300 years ago, perhaps it would never have achieved the fame it enjoys today as the most beautiful and romantic castle in the world. In memory of this fateful event, the castle illuminations are now held several times each year. The castle walls turns blood red in the glow of torches and a huge, brilliant fireworks display is launched from the Old Bridge, bathing the entrance to the Neckar valley in a stunning panoply of light and colour. It's a spectacular event that attracts thousands of visitors each year from far and wide.
The illumination is best to be watched from the shores of the Neckar river; preceding concert at the Church of the Holy Spirit. Tickets to all concerts can be obtained in advance by calling the Heidelberg-Ticket Hotline: +49 (0) 6221 - 58 20000