Heidelberg is one of Germany's (and Europe's) most charming cities. The city boasts the oldest university in Germany (1386) which has produced eight Noble prize winners. The university is extremely popular---one in four residents of Heidelberg is a student. Heidelberg has long been an attraction for great literates including Goethe, Victor Hugo, and Mark Twain. (Twain wrote much of his Tramp Abroad in the city.) With its riverbank setting, spectacular old town filled with stunning buildings from the medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods, it is an architectural jewel. One of the most special buildings is home the largest wine barrel in the world.
Mark Twain's illustrator captured the cask in the book A TRAMP ABROAD
The mammoth size wine barrel is located in the wine cellar of Heidelberg's iconic hilltop castle. The castle's construction began in the early 13th century, but there have been numerous centuries of construction efforts. At one time, the castle was even divided into two separate palaces. While German Kings in the 1400's claimed the castle as their residence, the next 500 years would bring decay from several fires, along with destructive wars. There have been multiple attempts at rebuilding and restoration. Regrettably, the ravages of time and forces of nature have destroyed much of the former castle but, fortunately, there are a few parts of the palace remaining. Yesterday, Wine-Knows had a private tour of the castle and its still intact wine cellar...home of the monstrous wine barrel.
The castle ruins provide the perfect backdrop for a cup of hot mulled wine.
The world's largest wine barrel was built in 1751 by the King of Bavaria. At that time it was a status symbol to build oversized wine barrels in Germany. For example, it was not unusual for towns to attempt to outrival one another with fashionable super-sized wine barrels. Royalty had their own competition. The Prince who earlier owned Heidelberg castle was in a rivalry with the Duke who owned Ludwigsburg Palace. Both built immense barrels to outdo the other. Everything came to a grinding halt when the Bavarian King built the barrel that was never surpassed---his barrel was in the castle at Heidelberg.
Timbered from 130 oak trees, Heidelberg's barrel holds about 58,000 gallons which translates to nearly 300,000 bottles. That being said, it is no longer used to store wine. Over the years, its oak staves have dried out and shrunk causing leakage. Today, it's simply a display for tourists interested in wine.
The wine cask is so tall that it requires a staircase to reach its top
Thirsty Wine-Knows, however, didn't stop after viewing the barrel. Instead, we proceeded deep into the caste's cellar which is now a wine cellar restaurant. As the castle was now closed to visitors, we enjoyed the entire cellar in a private wine tasting. All wines were dry one and included some of the area's most highly regarded wines.
Merry Christmas from Heidelberg!
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