The Kornmarkt was created in the 16th century. Previously, the Old Hospital was located here.
In 1551 the buildings were transferred to the university. However, they were in such a bad condition that the university could not use them. In 1557, the city council submitted a request to Elector Ottheinrich asking that the former hospital buildings be demolished and that a milk and cabbage market be established on the site. The request was granted. The following milk and cabbage market was called Neuer Markt (New Market) to distinguish it from the older marketplace at the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit).
The name Kornmarkt only became established in the late 17th century.
Today, the Kornmarkt is adorned by the Muttergottesbrunnen fountain. At the southeast corner of the square, you can also see the Graimberg Palace. In the west, the Kornmarkt is delimited by the successor building of the Prinz Carl, Heidelberg's former luxury hotel.
At Christmas time, the Kornmarkt is illuminated by many lights and the Christmas crib and the stalls of the Winterwäldchen are bathed in a special glow.
