The Holy Roman Empire’s military commanders were called a margrave and, overtime, they evolved into hereditary fiefdoms. The Margraviate of Baden ruled over southwestern Germany from 1112 to 1803. In 1872, Baden became an original German state before the monarchy ended during WWI. Inside this Collegiate Church, which is built high on the Florentine hill in Baden-Baden’s old town, are the magnificent tombs of 14 Margraves of Baden. Stiftskirche was originally built in the 15th century. Above the portal are carvings of the Madonna with Child flanked by the Apostles Peter and Paul.
