Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1876-12-23
NOTES BY THE WAY.
Special Correspondent of the Standard
HEIDLEBERG.

AiLer run OI GnTe0 uOuTS ny IdA
we reach Heidelberg. This is COM
paratively modern town, its origin
scarcely dating back beyond the mid
die of the 18th century. Its popula-
ton comprises about 10000 inhabit-
ants seven-twelfths Protestants and
fve-twelfths Catholic, with five hun
dred Jews. The beauty of its envir-
ons and the richness of its historical
associations impart to it an unusual
degree of interest, and in fact few
towns are more charmingly situated
or posses more picturesque appear
ance. It lies in o narrow valley
formed by the mountains Of Oden-
valid, on the south bank of the Necksr,
continent of the Rhine, and between
river and mountain the town extends
for nearly mile and half, exceed
ingly narrow in proportion to its
length. just opposite stands the
beautiful Heiligenberg. Prior to the
fourth century it was a most import
ant spot for the Romans who erected
o watch tower on its summit, and also
built affairs thereon to their heather
deities. The view presented from
this point extends to Taurus, the
Black Forest and the Vosges. Hell
dleberg like many of its neighboring
cities has been subject to great mis-
fortunes. Ithas been five times bonn
barded, twice laid in ashes, and three
times taken by assault and delivered
over to pillage. But these calami-
ties are all of the past, the town is
now in a happy and prosperous con-
dition.
Following the direction of my
guide we proceed along an ordinary
footpath, making the ascent ct VOLTS
Glen, as far as Regenhenschen. This
is a very commanding position and
from here q good view obtains of the
broad plains of the Rhine with its nu-
merous farms and villages dotting the
plain as far as the eye can reach, and
also of the meanderings of the Neck
ar winding away to its confluence
with the Rhine. Turning to the left,
broad carriage road leads along the
brow of the hill to the Pulpit, q pro-
jecting rock overlooking the town
and castle, and presenting magnifi-
cent view of the whole. Continuing
on o walk of IS minutes more brings
us to
THE CASTLE.
This is q massive half-ruined struc-
ture said to have been built as an
electoral residence about the latter
part of the 18th century. It is situa-
ted $40 feet above the Neckar and
abounds with terraces, walks, and
gardens and many other interesting
features. The surrounding grounds
are charming, with magnificent views.
and castle itself, half palace and half
fortress, is said to be one Of the finest
ruins in Germany. The oldest part
of the castle was built by the Elector
Palestine Rudolph I to which addi-
tons were added from time to time
by various rulers. During the thirty
years war it suffered greatly, and Twas
rendered uninhabitable, but was fully
restored and fortified under the Gov
eminent of Charles Louis, in the mid
die Of the 18th century. Then came
the Orleans Succession War BY which
it was again destroyed. and again it
was partially restored. But the cas-
tie seemed to be doomed building,
for on the Gath Of August, 1764. the
Almighty hurled fash Of lightning
at it, and the whole interior became
a pr,y to the flames. Since that
time, the only care Of the Govern
ment has been to protect the ruins
from further decay. One Of the chief
objects Of interest to many 10 the cell
~ e..