Karlsruhe, also Carlsruhe, city in southwestern Germany, in Baden-Württemberg, connected by canal with the nearby Rhine River. Manufactures include refined petroleum, rubber products, chemicals, and machinery. The city is the seat of the Federal Constitutional Court, the Federal Court of Justice, and a university. Points of interest include the former ducal palace (begun early 18th century, restored after 1945; now housing a museum); a fine-arts museum featuring paintings by Hans Thoma; and a botanical garden. Karlsruhe was founded in 1715 by Charles William, margrave of Baden-Durlach. In the mid-18th century the community was laid out with its 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 (1939-1945). Population (1997) 277,011.
