A walk up the narrow stairs takes you up to the student jail with graffiti across the walls in German script. The guide told us of bread and water being the only meal served to the jailed students. Very interesting place to see and.learn of the history.
In the past, students who committed misdemeanours had to be reported to the University authorities, as they were immune from punishment by the city authorities. This usually led to incarceration in the Student Jail (for up to 4 weeks). Not surprisingly, spending time in the prison became a rite of passage for the students in the 19th century (and into the early 20th century). There are lots of graffiti - mostly in German with a little Latin thrown in for good measure.
Entry ticket also covers entry to the University Museum and the Aula (the festival assembly room) of the University. A good deal.
A visit to this students' jail was included in our tour of Heidelberg. Otherwise, we would probably not have gone out of our way to go through it. There isn't much to the visit really, although it is odd and fascinating in a way. There are several stairs to climb if that is an issue for anyone wanting to see the jail. If I had only one day in Heidelberg I would not put this site in the top half of my "must see" sites.
The rich history, quirkiness, and photographable interior are completely worth the stop. It is a small space, and you could be in and out in 15 minutes easily, but if like me, you love to take photos, you might stay 30-45 minutes. I found the history of the student prison humorous and educational, and really enjoyed spending a little while there with my camera.
So here's the deal... If you have run out of things to do your first day, or you're going to be in town for more than one day, then this is a cool place to visit.
In the old-days, when ONLY the sons of wealthy & powerful men were able to attend a university, this "jail", is where they would be sent to serve time for petty legal transgressions, misdemeanors, if you will. But because their fathers were rich & powerful, they of course got special treatment & came here, instead of peon-prison.
Add this to the fraternities' practice of intentional facial scarring, and you've got yourself some pretty interesting stuff.
They have the best Universität Heidelberg souvenir polo shirts. So if your child is a student in Heidelberg, come here for your Uni-wear.
Come here if you have already toured the castle, including the Apothekenmuseum, been up the Bergbahn (funicular) to Königstuhl, seen the Heiliggeistkirche (Holy-Ghost church), walked the alte Brücke (old bridge), gone to the other side of rhe river to see Thingstätte (Roman ruin near outdoor amphitheater) & if your able, walk the Philosophenweg.
