Karlstor

The Karlstor is a Baroque triumphal gate at the eastern end of Heidelberg's Altstadt, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, marking the end of the Hauptstraße near the foot of the castle hill. It was built in the late 18th century under Elector Karl Theodor, whose name it carries, as a grand entrance to the town, and it was designed as a monumental sandstone arch with carved decoration and inscriptions. The gate stands at the edge of the old town fortifications, where the street meets the road toward the Neckar and the path up to the castle, and it frames the view along the Hauptstraße toward the hillside. Visitors can walk through the arch, look at the stonework and coat of arms, and read the inscriptions, which takes only 10 to 15 minutes. The gate is open at all times, free of charge, and is lit in the evening, when it is most attractive for photographs. The Karlstor is a convenient start or end point for a stroll along the pedestrian street, about 10 minutes on foot from the Marktplatz, and a bus stop nearby gives access from other parts of the city. From the gate, paths lead up toward the castle gardens and the Burgweg. The area around the gate is typically quiet compared to the centre of the Altstadt, and crowds are rarely an issue except during festival evenings or when tour groups pass through. The best photo angle is from the eastern side looking west along the street, or from the front of the arch with the hillside behind. Morning light shows the sandstone detail, while evening lighting gives a warmer mood. Traffic passes near the gate, so visitors should take care when crossing roads. There are no ticketed facilities, and cafes and restaurants lie a short walk back along the Hauptstraße.