It is one thing to see a castle on a far away hilltop but quite another to visit one and walk where queens and kings have walked. While its early history is unclear, Heidelberg Castle is a living history of Germany. The structure itself was beset for five hundred years by everything from several devastating lightening strikes to the ravages of the conquer's-du-jour. The Holy Roman Empire's Army was the first to assault the fortress, followed by several attacks during the Thirty Years War. This castle was not just an impressive fortress, it was a political-religious game piece. Case in point, in 1613, Elector Frederick V married Elizabeth Stuart (daughter of James 1 of England). What is notable about their union is that they actually loved each other. Generally marriage at this level was about alliance and allegiance, both political and religious. Nonetheless, the couple fell in love. Heidelberg Castle was their home. For her nineteenth birthday, Frederick built his young wife an ornate archway into one of her gardens. Three years later, the couple opted to move to Hungary in order for Frederick to accept a promotion to King of Bohemia. His reign lasted one year. Neither one ever saw Heidelberg again. Frederick was killed in the 30 years war, and Elizabeth spent the remainder of her life raising her children in the Hague, far from her home land. The takeaway of the story is; the walls that represented power, status, and religious intolerance (Catholic and Protestant) fell, but the symbol of authentic love is still standing. Too many Disney movies??
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