Studentenkarzer

The Studentenkarzer (student prison) is a must-see in Heidelberg. It was built in 1712 and was in use until the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Prior to 1712, the student prison was located below the Old University Building, but it was relocated due to potential health risks that may arise from the damp conditions. Students were sent here for public disturbance, nocturnal raids, and other misdemeanant behavior. They were held in confinement from anywhere between 24hrs to 4 weeks, depending on the level of offense they committed. Ironically enough, being sentenced to the Studentenkarzer was "honorable"among most students.

"Coat of Arms"

 

There are 5 prison cells and each cell includes a table, chair and a hard bed with a straw mattress. During the first two days of confinement, students were only provided with bread and water; for the remaining days, visitors could bring them food, or even beer. Students passed time by playing cards with other inmates and decorated the walls and ceilings of the stairway/prison walls and ceilings. Students mostly painted other students silhouette profiles, coat of arms, and monograms of their organizations they belonged to. They would use the soot from the fireplace or candles as paint. Although students were forbidden to leave the building, they were permitted to attend lectures for the university through a connecting door from the prison.

The jail cells were given names by students such as, "Palais Royale"

"Solitude"