Speyer

By now, you have most likely bought a semester ticket and might be wondering how to get this most out of your investment. Well, look no further than the beautiful city of Speyer. Only about 50 minutes from the Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof, Speyer is easy to get to and free with a semester ticket. Speyer is definitely a city to visit if you enjoy architecture. With its numerous churches and old buildings, Speyer has plenty of options for the architecture lover or anyone who appreciates a beautiful building. The city also has attractions for the more mechanically inclined, including the Technik Museum (Technology Museum) which has all the planes, trains, and machines that one could hope for. And for those history buffs out there, there are plenty of historical museums, including the Historische Museum der Pflaz (Museum of Palatinate History). Below, I've listed some must-sees for your trip to Speyer.

Der Dom in Speyer (The Imperial Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption and St. Stephen)

Front view of the cathedral

If you can only see one thing in Speyer, make sure you visit the cathedral. You can easily reach the cathedral
by bus or just a short 20 minute walk from the Hauptbahnhof. I recommend walking because you are more likely to find great little places to visit on the way, but if you are in a hurry, there is a bus about every ten minutes. This cathedral is so large that it is easily seen from the Autobahn. The cathedral is over 1000 years old and is a prime example of Romanesque architecture. With its high vaulted ceilings and spectacular paintings, it's hard not to love this amazing work of art. Below the main floor of the cathedral are the crypts of long dead kings and queens of Germany. There is a small entrance fee to the crypts,

but it's well worth the money. When you are done visiting inside the church, go for a stroll in the cathedral gardens. The park surrounding the cathedral is peaceful and contains many beautiful sculptures and monuments. Make sure you hang around the cathedral long enough to hear the bells chime on the hour. It's definitely worth waiting a few extra minutes to hear.

Die Dreifaltigkeitskirche (The Holy Trinity Church)

Another architectural marvel that is a must see in Speyer is the Dreifaltigkeitskirche located not far from the Speyer cathedral. The oldest Protestant church in Speyer, Dreifaltigkeitskirche's interior is full of phenomenal artistry. The church is full of intricate wood carvings and decorative paneling. On the panels that run along the second floor are colorfully painted scenes from the Bible. There are also larger paintings from the Bible on the vaulted ceiling. At the front of the church is a spectacular picture of the last supper, surrounded by beautiful wood work and sculptures. Above the painting is an organ adorned with gold and sculptures of tiny cupids. The man who maintains the church is very friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have. One does not heed to be Christian or even religious to appreciate the beauty of this building.