Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe (also Carlsruhe), city in south-west Germany, in Baden-Württemberg, connected by canal with the nearby River Rhine. Manufactured goods include refined petroleum, rubber products, chemicals, and machinery. The city is the seat of the Federal Constitutional Court, the Federal Court of Justice, and of a university. Points of interest include the former ducal palace (begun early 18th century, restored after 1945 after bombardment; now a museum); a fine-arts museum featuring paintings by Hans Thoma; and a botanical garden. Karlsruhe (“Karl's Retreat”) was founded in 1715 by Karl Wilhelm, Margrave of Baden-Durlach. In the mid-18th century the community was laid out with streets radiating from the palace. Karlsruhe became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Baden in 1806. It was severely damaged in World War II. Population (1990 estimate) 272,800.