Market Square and the Pyramid

General information:

The market square (Marktplatz) is in all probability the best-known square in Karlsruhe. Situated on it is the city's hallmark, the pyramid, built in 1823 as well as the municipal protestant church, the town hall, and the market fountain.

The plan for the market square along with the municipal protestant church and town hall was drawn up by Karlsruhe's famous master builder Friedrich Weinbrenner then approved by Margrave Karl Friedrich in 1801. It was Weinbrenner, too, who planned the main buildings outling the square such as the municipal protestant church and town hall. This gave rise to an ensemble regarded worldwide as a prime example of neo-classical building and one that has retained this character today.

Characterising the market square as its most conspicuous building is 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 then reconstructed in stone in 1823 exactly where the tomb of the original "Konkordienkirche" (demolished in 1807) had been. The crypt from the 18th century still survives.