Marktplatz, Karlsruhe

One of the main streets from the castle leads you to the market square with a remarkable Pyramid. This stony construction of 1823 was erected above the city founder's grave. He, Margrave Karl Wilhelm von Baden-Durlach, laid down the foundation stone of the castle here on June 17, 1715.

The Church, where Margrave Karl Wilhelm had been laid to rest, had to be torn down in 1807 due to lack of space. Weinbrenner now had to ensure that the now unprotected crypt was covered up again.

He had a wooden pyramid constructed, had it coated with oil paint, surrounded by sandstone blocks to deter intruders, and a wooden sentry box set up beside it. The temporary structure stood until 1818 and 7 years later it was replaced by a pyramid made of stone.

Grand Duke Ludwig had the following inscription engraved into the pyramid's north flank: Here / where Margrave Carl once / in the shadows of the Hardtwald / sought peace / and built for himself the city / that preserves his name / at the place / where he found everlasting peace / dedicates to him this memorial / that locks away his ashes / in grateful memory Ludwig Wilhelm August / Grand Duke / 1823.

The pyramid remained in its original location as it has since become the symbol of Karlsruhe. The monument survived the two wars practically unharmed by the bomb explosions thanks to its shape. The stone sarcophagus containing the ashes of Margrave Karl Wilhelm is still inside the pyramid but it is not open to the public.

Now the symbol of Karlsruhe, the unmissable pyramid in the marktplatz has quite a history and Raison d'Être. The Pyramid was built in 1823, on the site of the first church of Karlsruhe, the Konkordienkirche. The Pyramid was built to house the tomb of the city's founder, Margrave Karl Wilhelm.

The Stadt Kirche, an Evangelical municipal church, was build by the Architecht Friedrich Weinbrenner between 1807 and 1816. The church served as the cathedral for the Baden state.

The belltower is 61.7m high, with 150 steps leading to the viewing platform, where a birdseye view of the city is provided. The tower was modelled on a Greek Temple, and supports a 2.7m high Angel of Peace, which acts as a weather cock.

There are many markets in Karlsruhe. You'll find local vegetables, fruits, honey , cheese and meat. But also exotic fruits are sold here. I always love to walk across a market, even though I don't buy much.

meanwhile a symbol of the street it started as a interim solution to give the grave of Margrave Karl Wilhelm a new "roof", because the formally one, the concordia chruch has been torn down due to lack of space. So first a wood construction has been constructed and about 100 years later the now existing stone construction has been finalized.

This place is at least once a week what it says, a market place, as you can see on the photo. Besides it is one of the main central places of the city, with the old town hall and the protestant town church next to it (constructed by Weinbrenner). Besides the tram passes this place, the most important directions cross on this place.

Karlsruhe is known for it's little pyramide in the center of town. A famous architect loved the Egyptian type of architecture and put a pyramide and oblisque in the middle of Karlsruhe. (Sorry, I wish I had a better picture)

The Markplatz is the19th century centre of the town. It has an interesting pryamid monument flanked by the Town Hall (designed by Weinbrenner) and Stadtkirche.