BRUCHSAL

city, Baden-Wrttemberg Land (state), southwestern Germany. It lies along the Saalbach (Saal Stream), just northeast of Karlsruhe. First mentioned in 796 as the site of a Frankish royal villa, it was given to the prince-bishops of Speyer in 1056 and became their residence in 1720. Chartered in 1248, it passed to Baden in 1803. The city's magnificent Rococo castle (172232), one of the most distinguished in Germany, has been restored after having been largely destroyed in World War II. The Church of St. Peter (174249; by Balthasar Neumann) and the scenic castle park also remain. An important communications and industrial centre, Bruchsal has metal and tobacco industries and also manufactures chemicals, paper, and textiles. Pop. (1995 est.) 40,138.