Standing in front of the Alte Bürgerstraßenbrücke Stele, you are right in front of a silent storyteller. The stele, a simple stone monument, seems to be just a small detail, a quiet observer of countless stories that unfolded on the bridge itself. The monument stands here since 1995 and commemorates the Old Bridge, a Heidelberg icon that saw countless lives and events pass by. Its history is a compelling story for you to explore, a story spanning centuries.
You can see the bridge’s history reflected in the stele. It whispers of the Roman pile bridge built in the first century CE, the wooden bridge from the 13th century, and all the bridges that followed. It tells of the eight bridge structures that came before, the last one being destroyed by ice floes in 1565.
And there are countless anecdotes that add colour to the story. The monkey tower on the bridge, which was blown up in 1945 and reconstructed in 1979, is one of them. This tower, a symbol of luck for many tourists, is now a place where tourists can place their heads within the monkey’s head. They say that rubbing the mirror brings good luck, rubbing the fingers ensures a return to Heidelberg, and the little mice nearby bring fertility.
The tale of the Old Bridge is a testament to Heidelberg’s resilience. The bridge, destroyed by war and nature, was continuously rebuilt, enduring through the ages. It saw the city prosper and face hardships, but it always stood strong, a constant presence.
The bridge wasn’t just a connection point, it also had strategic importance, marking the border between the County Palatinate of the Rhine and the Electorate of Mainz until the 15th century. Today, the Old Bridge remains a symbol of Heidelberg, a reminder of the city’s heritage and its enduring spirit. To honour this heritage, you are standing in front of the Alte Bürgerstraßenbrücke Stele, a silent witness to a rich and captivating history.