Heidelberg University Library architectural style Renaissance
The main building
From 1901 to 1905, a richly ornamented four-wing red sandstone building was constructed for the library across from the Church of St. Peter. It was designed by Josef Durm, who adapted the Renaissance style of Heidelberg Castle and added numerous elements of Art Nouveau. These include a depiction of Prometheus with the eagle to the left of the main entrance and a veiled Virgin to the right. The central gable of the main facade is decorated with a sculpture of the head sculpture of Pallas Athene, on the gable of the west facade there is a depiction of the Weltgeist, over whose head are arranged foliage, a globe, and nine stars. The frontage is punctuated by numerous windows for the sake of natural illumination. In May 1971 the building was designated a historic monument.
design type building style construction style architectural design architectural pattern