Munich is a large city condensed into a small area. While with the old town contains a concentration of Munich highlights to enjoy, there is more to uncover than those which are confined to the cobbled streets of the Alt Stadt. So be sure to branch out in order to properly Discover Munich!
1. Marienplatz
Marienplatz, the city’s main square is defined largely by the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) which, in fact, is not so new as the rest. While the city was largely flattened during the bombings of WWII, the New Town Hall, a 19th century Gothic Revival design, mostly survived. The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall, first documented around 1310), which lies on the western part of the square has been rebuilt, along with circa 80% of the city, to resemble the medieval town as it once was. To the south is St. Peter’s, a Gothic church with a tall but narrow tower and a little out to the west, the Frauenkirche, with her two copper domed towers is unmistakable.
While many additional highlights surround the square, Marienplatz is worthy of a mention as a highlight of its own. It is completely charming and atmospheric on this hot summer’s day. Apart from the notable buildings, the Mariensäule (Mary’s Column), the square’s towering column topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary, serves as a focal point and colourful historic distraction with summer blooms planted all around.
Take a moment to watch the famous glockenspiel and soak in the history and atmosphere of the Marienplaz before moving onto other highlights and discoveries.
2. Frauenkirche (Münchner Dom)
Munich’s Frauenkirche is the city’s famous cathedral of late Romanesque design was first constructed here in the 12th century with the current Romanesque building dating from the 15th century. The interior, like man German churches, is less ornate than many of its Italian and French counterparts. Yet it is the space under the soaring vault ceiling that threatens to take my breath away. At 109m long, 40m wide and a soaring 37m high, the space is awe-inspiring. Even if you’re not religious, there is a special hush. Perhaps it in deference to the people that built this incredible church so long ago or to the legend that the devil left a footprint in the entrance and then disappeared.
The two towers soar even higher, measuring just over 98m each while the city passed a law in 2004 to ensure that no buildings within the city limits will be allowed to be taller than Frauenkirche’s towers.
3. Residenz München
The Munich Residenz is the city’s restored palace complex, the former residence of the Wittelsbach family. The sprawling complex consists of numerous interconnected buildings enclosing 10 courtyards and containing 130 rooms, a theatre, concert hall, church and royal stables.
The first buildings date to the 14th century with additions and reconstructions attributed to various monarchs throughout the centuries. The palace was severely damaged during the bombings of WWII and wide rebuilding took place during the 1980’s. The Hall of Antiquities (built 1568 – 1571), Ancestral Gallery (built a century later) and the Charlotte Rooms (part of the Royal Apartments (late 18th – early 19th century) represent the Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical fashions of their eras.
The Hofgarten, or Court Garden, is a large French style park attached to the northern facade of the palace. The rooms, courtyards and park are open to the public and display artefacts and exhibits in addition to the rooms that are richly decorated and bursting with history.
4. Hofbrauhaus
More than just a pub and beer garden, Hofbrauhaus is THE beer garden. Its very existence comes about from the refined tastes of William V, Duke of Bavaria from 1579 – 1597. Part of the Wittelsbach lineage, he found Munich’s beer so bad that he imported beer from Saxony. Over the years he realised the economic opportunity and tasked his royal court with creating Munich’s own beer. The local brewery was eventually founded in 1589 which served the court as well as the town and continues so to this day.
5 . Nymphenburg Palace
Nymphenburg’s palace, museum, pavilions and garden are a unique combination of architecture and design commissioned for Bavarian royalty in 1664. Over the centuries the extensive buildings and grounds of the Wittelsbach dynasty were extended and enjoyed, largely as summer residences. Various hunting lodges, stables and a porcelain museum are combined to make Nymphenburg a delightful day trip from nearby Munich.
Good To Know
Munich’s Alt Stadt radiates out from Marienplatz. It is a maze of mostly pedestrian streets and old and reconstructed historic buildings. There is a lot to see here and it’s more difficult to navigate than some of Germany’s other historic towns. See also Frankfurt and Heidelberg. Take your time to discover Munich if you can, there are many delights both in and around.
Would I Return?
Yes.
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