Bruckenaffe (Bridge Monkey), Heidelberg

As you enter the Old Bridge from the Old Town, you'll notice a statue of an animal that appears somewhat catlike. It's actually a monkey holding a mirror. Legend has it the statue was erected to remind both city-dwellers and those from across the bridge to look over their shoulders, symbolizing that neither group was more elite than the other.

This is not the first iteration of the Bridge Monkey; a statue has stood here since the 15th century. The current version was installed in 1979 and, unlike its predecessors, the monkey's right hand shows the sign of the horns, which is supposed to ward off the evil eye. It is said that if a visitor touches the sign of horns, they will return to Heidelberg. If they touch the mirror, they will become wealthy, and if they touch the mice next to the monkey, they will have many children.

A plush toy of the monkey has been available for purchase since May 2016. There are two versions in different sizes, which can be found in several shops in the Old Town. The monkey's chest is labeled with the city's name, beneath which is a coat of arms that combines the coat of arms of the Electoral Palatinate, the coat of arms of Baden, and the flag of Germany.