Kurpfalzisches Museum (Palatinate Museum), Heidelberg

This baroque palace, originally built in 1712 as a residence for a university professor, has since been transformed into an art and archaeology museum, featuring two standout exhibits that are well worth the visit. One is a replica of the jaw of Heidelberg Man ("Homo heidelbergensis"), said to be a crucial link in the evolutionary chain dating back half a million years (the original was discovered near the city in 1907). The larger attraction is the Twelve Apostles Altarpiece ("Windsheimer Zwölfbotenaltar"), one of the largest and finest works by early Renaissance sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. The exquisite detailing and technical sophistication of the piece are evident in the serene faith radiating from the faces of the Apostles.

On the top floor, one can enjoy 19th-century German paintings, sculptures, and drawings, many of which depict Heidelberg from the Middle Ages to the 1800s. And, after exploring, the quiet courtyard restaurant offers a pleasant spot for a break.