Karlsruhe

I mentioned Karlsruhe in my other post, when writing about Ettlingen, one of the places I lived in Germany. Karlsruhe was where I was attending my German classes. It is only about 15 minutes from Ettlingen, as you can see from the map below these two places are almost connected.

 

 

Karlsruhe was founded 300 years ago by Margrave Charles William (Karl Wilhelm) of Baden.

According to the legend, Karl Wilhelm is supposed to have fallen asleep during a hunting trip in the Hardtwald of Durlach and dreamt of a palace which lies in the centre of his residence like the sun, the streets of city stretching out like rays of sunlight. He named his new city Karls...ruhe which in German means Karl's rest/repose.

 

 

 

 

The foundation stone of the fan-shaped city was laid in 1715 - standing at the centre of the 'fan', 32 'axes' extend from Karlsruhe Palace (Schloss Karlsruhe).

 

 

 

The town is the seat of two of the highest courts in Germany, the Federal Constitutional Court and the Federal Court of Justice.

 

 

Other attractions:

 

Market square (Marktplatz) is the best known square in Karlsruhe.

Situated on it is the city's hallmark, The pyramid. It is a monument to the city's founder Margrave Karl-Wilhelm and protects his grave. It was initially made of wood but was reconstructed in stone in 1823.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zoological gardens (Stadtgarten Zoo)  the combination of zoo, one of the oldest in Germany, and municipal gardens. Located in the heart of the city centre, it is one of the favourite destinations within the city.

 

 

 

 

Majolica Porcelain Manufactory (Staatliche Majolika Manufaktur) produces a variety of ceramic art - from small sculptures to tiles, vases, bowls, plates etc. I bought some "souveniers" when visiting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ettlinger Tor - a place to shop www.ettlinger-tor.de