Karl Wilhelm

margrave of Baden-Durlach

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June 30, 2026

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Karl Wilhelm was the margrave of Baden-Durlach from 1709 to 1738. He founded Karlsruhe as his capital. The margravate of Baden-Durlach was one of two divisions of Baden, the other being Baden-Baden, which originated in 1535. Both margravates became Protestant during the Reformation. Karl Wilhelm's grandson, Charles Frederick, reunited Baden in 1771.1

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Karlsruhe
It originated in 1715 when Karl Wilhelm, margrave of Baden-Durlach, built a castle near his hunting lodge, Karlsruhe (“Karl’s retreat”). The castle tower became the focal point of a fan-shaped town layout. Friedrich Weinbrenner gave it its essential character by erecting many buildings in Neoclassical style, including the town hall…
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It originated in 1715 when Karl Wilhelm, margrave of Baden-Durlach, built a castle near his hunting lodge, Karlsruhe (“Karl’s retreat”). The castle tower became the focal point of a fan-shaped town layout. Friedrich Weinbrenner gave it its essential character by erecting many buildings in Neoclassical style, including the town hall…
Read More