Heiligenberg: A Journey Through Time

Heiligenberg, or 'Holy Mountain,' offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, rising 440 meters above Heidelberg. This wooded hilltop has been a site of human activity since Neolithic times, with archaeological evidence dating back to 5500-5100 BCE. Over the centuries, Celts, Romans, medieval monks, and even the Nazis have left their mark on this strategic and spiritually resonant location. The Celts were among the first to recognize the Heiligenberg's strategic importance, constructing a double-walled hill fort in the 4th century BCE. Traces of these fortifications, including remnants of circular ramparts, can still be seen today. The Celtic settlement, known as an Oppidum, served as a central hub for the region, controlling trade and providing a defensive stronghold. The 'Bittersbrunnen,' a water source for the Celtic settlement, was restored in 1979/80. During the Roman era, the Heiligenberg transitioned from a military stronghold to a sacred precinct. The Romans built several temples on the summit, including one dedicated to Mercurius Cimbrianus. These temples reflected the Roman practice of assimilating local deities and sacred sites into their own religious framework. The remains of the Roman temples were later incorporated into medieval monastic structures. In the Middle Ages, the Heiligenberg became a center of Christian monasticism. St. Michael's Monastery was founded in the 9th century, followed by St. Stephen's Monastery in the 11th century. These monasteries played a significant role in the religious and intellectual life of the region. The Michaelskloster became the foundation of a daughter monastery, the Stephanskloster. The 'Heidenloch,' a 55-meter-deep pit of unknown origin, also dates back to this period. Some believe it was an attempt to build a well or cistern, while others suggest it may have been a Celtic sacrificial pit. Over time, the monasteries fell into disrepair, and their stones were often plundered for other construction projects. However, the ruins of St. Michael's and St. Stephen's still stand as evocative reminders of the Heiligenberg's medieval past. The Michaelsbasilika and Heiligenbergturm are scheduled to reopen on March 1, 2025. In the 20th century, the Heiligenberg took on a darker chapter in its history with the construction of the Thingstätte, an open-air theater built by the Nazis in the 1930s. This massive amphitheater was intended to be a venue for propaganda events and theatrical performances that promoted Nazi ideology. The Thingstätte, designed by Hermann Alker, could accommodate thousands of spectators and was dedicated in 1935 with Joseph Goebbels in attendance. The Heidelberg Thingstätte is one of the official Thingstätten built in the first part of the Nazi era as part of the Thingspiel movement. After the war, the Thingstätte fell into disuse but has since been reclaimed as a space for cultural events and reflection. Today, the Heiligenberg offers visitors a chance to explore its multifaceted history and enjoy its natural beauty. Hiking trails wind through the woods, connecting the various historical sites and offering stunning views of Heidelberg and the surrounding landscape. The 'Celtic Trail' provides a varied and comfortable circular hiking trail, leading to historical sites from different eras. The Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk), located on the southern slope, features southern plants such as almonds, figs, and sweet chestnuts. Points of interest on the Heiligenberg include: * **Celtic Hill Fort:** Remains of a double-walled Celtic fort constructed in the 4th century BCE. * **Heidenloch:** A mysterious 55-meter-deep pit of unknown age and purpose. * **Monastery of St. Michael:** Ruins of a 9th-century monastery, including the foundations of a Roman temple. * **Monastery of St. Stephen:** Ruins of an 11th-century monastery. * **Heiligenberg Tower:** A 19th-century lookout tower built using stones from the Monastery of St. Stephen. * **Bismarck Tower:** A monument to Otto von Bismarck, built in 1903. * **Thingstätte:** An open-air theater built by the Nazis in the 1930s. The Heiligenberg is accessible by foot, car, or public transportation. The Philosophenweg offers a scenic route for hikers, while a bus service operates to the parking lot near the Thingstätte. Visitors can also rent e-bikes or e-scooters to explore the mountain. The Heiligenberg is more than just a collection of ruins and historical sites; it is a place where the past comes alive. As you wander through the woods and explore the remnants of civilizations past, you can feel the weight of history and the enduring power of this 'Holy Mountain.'