The Old University building (also known as the Domus Wilhelmina)
was erected by Johann Adam Breunig in 1712-1735. For the university’s
500-year celebrations in 1896, the historic auditorium in
its west wing was remodeled in Neorenaissance style.
The Old University contains the chancellor’s office as
well as the University Museum (established in 1996). It documents
the history of Germany’s oldest university, which was
founded by Prince Elector Ruprecht I in 1386 and reorganized
by Grand Duke Carl Friedrich of Baden in 1803. On the back
side of the Old University, at the address Augustinergasse
2, is the historic Student Jail.
To the west, in University Square, is the Lion’s Fountain,
from which local residents used to get their water. The lion
appears in the coats of arms of the Palatinate and the city
of Heidelberg.
Old
University