18. Mai 2026
Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. The picturesque ensemble of the castle, the Old Town, and the river Neckar surrounded by hills, which inspired the poets and artists of romanticism, still fascinates millions of visitors from all over the world today.
For Filipinos, Heidelberg is much more than a scenic university town; it is a pilgrimage site. In 1886, the Philippine national hero Dr. José Rizal lived and studied here, leaving an indelible mark on the city's history.
👁️ The "German Doctor": Ophthalmology
Rizal came to Heidelberg at age 24 to specialize in ophthalmology. His primary motivation was deeply personal: he wanted to cure his mother’s cataracts.
University Eye Clinic: He trained under the world-renowned Professor Otto Becker at the University Eye Clinic (then located at Bergheimer Straße 20).
Legacy: He was known to be one of Becker’s best students. A bronze plaque now marks the building where he practiced.
✍️ Literary Milestones
It was in this romantic setting that Rizal penned some of his most emotional works:
- "A las Flores de Heidelberg": On April 22, 1886, feeling homesick while walking along the Neckar River, he wrote this famous poem. He asked the light-blue "Forget-Me-Nots" blooming on the banks to carry his message of love back to the Philippines.
- Noli Me Tangere: While living in the nearby village of Wilhelmsfeld (just north of Heidelberg) with the family of Pastor Karl Ullmer, he worked on the final chapters of his revolutionary novel, Noli Me Tangere.📍 Key Rizal Sites in Heidelberg,If you visit today, you can follow the "Rizal Trail":
- Grabengasse 12 (formerly Ludwigsplatz 12)-The apartment where he lived. A plaque commemorates his stay and the writing of his poem.
- Rizal-Ufer-A section of the Neckar riverbank named in his honor in 2014, featuring a memorial stone with his poetry.
- Wilhelmsfeld-A 30 minutes drive from Heidelberg, this village has a Rizal Park with a larger-than-life bronze statue of the hero.
- The Sandstone Fountain-Originally in the Ullmer family garden where Rizal used to drink, the fountain was gifted to the Philippines in 1964 and now stands in Rizal Park (Luneta) Manila.
