The Wittelsbach Year in southwestern Germany serves as a reminder that the illustrious dynasty from Bavaria ruled the Electoral Palatinate for 600 years starting in 1214. The Wittelsbachs chose Heidelberg as their central seat, which developed into one of the most significant residential cities in the German-speaking world. To this day, many traces of this era can be seen in the city's landscape, even though Heidelberg has largely retained a Baroque appearance following the destructions of 1689 and 1693. The city guide makes these remnants from the Middle Ages and Renaissance tangible through ten thematic tours: Walks exploring the early history of Heidelberg lead to places like Handschuhsheim, a village from the Carolingian era, or to the Molkenkur, where the old castle stood until its destruction in 1537. The tours through the old town focus on various themes to capture the diversity of urban life in the Middle Ages.