The Heidelberg Bridge Monkey dates back to the 15th century. It was a stone statue sitting in the tower of the Old Bridge which was located opposite Heidelberg’s Old Town. The purpose of the tower was to instill fear and respect in anyone arriving in the town, while the monkey represented mockery. The statue was destroyed with the tower during the Nine Years’ War. Today The monkey sits on the Old Bridge next to the tower.
Geriatri'x' Fotogallery 
15th century! Unbelievable.