The Marktplatz is the historic heart of Heidelberg's Old Town, first mentioned in records from 1234. At its center stands the magnificent baroque Hercules Fountain from 1709, depicting Hercules battling two lions — a replica (the original is in the Kurpfälzisches Museum). Surrounding the square are the Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit, the Town Hall, and the Renaissance Hotel Ritter St. Georg (1592). Open-air markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday, with an enchanting Christmas market in winter.