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was built by Johann Casimir (1583-1592), the Administrator and guardian of Friedrich IV, for the purpose of containing the older "Great Vat" made by Michael Waerner of landau in the year 1591, The building is closely connected with the Frauenzimmer Building projecting to the north of it. The big vat cellar is accessible from the cellar of the King's Hall. Eighteen steps lead down to it. The high storey above it with its late Gothic star-vaulting and pointed arched windows give an almost sacred appearance. A large archway connects the room with the Kings's Hall. It seems worthy of note that the builder went back to the old Gothic form and intentionally ignored the dominant style of the period in order to make it fit in with the Frauenzimmer Building erected under Ludwig V. The flat roof forms a platform surrounded by a balustrade, from whence there is a splendid view. The first great vat formerly kept in the cellar was a huge thing containing 30,000 gallons. Under Karl Ludwig it was already replaced (in the year 1664) by a much larger onecontaining some 42,000 gallons. It has happily survived the terrible years of 1689 and 1693 and was splendidly restored under Karl Philipp (1716-1742). It was looked after by Clemental Perkeo, The Electoral jester with a love of wine and humor, a dwarf such as were often to be found at this time at princely courts. There is a figure of him in the vat cellar. The largest vat, however has remained intact upto the present day and is still the aim of all visitors to the castle. Its builder is Karl Theodor (1742-1799). It majestically fills the great vat cellar. It can hold some 50,000 gallons and is indeed, after one particularly good vintage year, it is said to have been filled to the brim. It is decorated with the coat-of-arms of the builder. A staircase leads to an upper stage where it is possible to drink and dance. In the darkness of the room the tools of the cooper can be seen on the wall, not to forget Perkeo's mysterious clock. In front of the vat lies a much smaller brother but nevertheless a masterpiece of the cooper's trade, joined together without bands. By means of a pump, which is still intact, the wine could be pumped to the room opposite. The great vat and the dwarf Perkeo have inspired the poets, above all those who appreciate a good glass of wine, to write gay verses, for instance Victor von Scheffel. Emanuel Geibel sings: I would I were the moment At Heidelberg's great vat, My mouth pressed to it, opened, And dreampt I know not what. And if a maiden fine Would serve me with with kind mien, I think I should se roses Floating on the sparkling wine. |
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---------- From a late 1800's Cabinet Card Signed: Heidelberg und Umgebung. 20. Das grosse Fass. Collection Edm, v, Konig in Heidelberg, 1989 (Form the authors personal collection.) |
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---------- The same as above: From a late 1800's Photograph of the Painting Signed: F. Veith, 1887 (Form the authors personal collection.) |
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---------- Rendered from the Author's 1988 Video Tape |