Herb Tower — Attraction in Heidelberg

The Herb Tower (Krautturm) gets its name from the German word Kraut. Not to be confused with Kraut = herb, but coming from the rather old German Kraut = powder.

Back at the time of Ludwig V, the lower part of the tower was used to store gunpowder (hence its name). During the war with the French between 1688-1697, mines detonates inside made the tower fall. Only some of the ruins remain.

The sight from this fallen tower is breathtaking. Many paintings and pictures have been made, but looking at it in person...

The name Krautturm can be traced back to the 17th century. It apparently comes from the fact that the lowest floor was used as a herb magazine (“herb” = powder). This name was later replaced by the name “Blown Tower”. The tower was blown up in 1693 by French soldiers during the War of the Palatinate Succession after a mine explosion in 1689 had no effect. The tower was originally around 28 meters high. In 1610 it was expanded to 42.50 meters. Today it still stands in ruins at 33...

One of Heidelberg Castle's towers appears to have exploded a long time ago. Part of it has collapsed, and the ruins are still there next to the tower. There's a better view from inside the garden where you can take...