A historic miracle
Heidelberg, a city deeply rooted in German history, has an extraordinary history during World War II. Despite the heavy bombings that left many German cities in ruins, Heidelberg remained almost unscathed. This article looks at how Heidelberg survived the war years and what factors contributed to the city remaining almost untouched.
The attacks on Heidelberg
While Heidelberg was largely spared, there were isolated attacks. The first air raid hit the Pfaffengrund district on the night of September 19-20, 1940. This led to a minor retaliation against Cambridge in Great Britain. Further smaller air raids followed in 1944 and 1945, causing only minimal damage. In total, 241 people were killed by air raids in Heidelberg, and only a small percentage of residential buildings and apartments were damaged or destroyed.
Why was Heidelberg largely spared?
There are several theories as to why Heidelberg was largely spared during the war:
- Lack of strategic importance: Heidelberg had no heavy industry or other strategically important facilities, which made the city a less attractive target.
- American plans: It is believed that the Americans considered Heidelberg as a location for their headquarters after the war. This may have contributed to their desire to spare the city during the war.
- Leaflets and rumors: There are reports that leaflets were dropped in Heidelberg before the US troops invaded, announcing that the city would be spared. However, these leaflets can no longer be found today.
The destruction of the bridges and the end of the war
The only significant destruction in Heidelberg was the demolition of the Neckar bridges, including the famous Old Bridge, by the Wehrmacht to hamper the Allied advance. On March 29, 1945, the US 63rd Infantry Division marched in and the city surrendered without significant resistance. US troops took over important buildings, including the Grossdeutschland barracks, later renamed Campbell Barracks.
Heidelberg today
The decision to spare Heidelberg during the war means that today locals and tourists can stroll through the historic streets and experience the city's architectural beauty and cultural depth. Heidelberg remains a symbol of peace and the preservation of culture throughout times of conflict.
