Munich - Sightseeings & Informations
Description
Munich is the capital of Bavaria, the largest in terms of the territory federal state of Germany. Modern Munich is the educational, research, financial and industrial center of Germany. Munich is renowned for its rich brewing traditions and is renowned for its annual autumn Oktoberfest.
Munich Guided City Tour. |
Munich. Bavaria.
The first mention of Munich dates back to 1158. According to the official version, the city of Munich was founded by Duke Heinrich Leo in 1158. In 1180, the power over the city passed to the Wittelsbach dynasty. And only in 1505 Munich became the capital of Bavaria. The events of the first half of the 17th century marked the end of a period of prosperity. The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) and a plague epidemic claimed a third of the city's population.
Music City Tour. |
Munich. Germany.
At the beginning of the 18th century, the city was occupied by Austrian troops. In 1806 Bavaria becomes a kingdom. Under Kings Ludwig I (1825-1848) and Maximilian II (1848-1864) Munich became a cultural center. Bavaria Ludwig II ruled from 1864 to 1886. Many of the most beautiful buildings in the city belonged to the period of these kings.
Top things to do in Munich. |
Munich. Germany.
There’s plenty to see and do in Munich - Germany’s third biggest city. This green city is known for its spacious parks, many museums and beautiful palaces. Below You'll see a list of attractions you must visit in Munich.
Marienplatz and the City hall
Marienplatz (Mary’s Square) has been recognized as Munich’s central plaza since the city was founded in 1158 and is surrounded by a multitude of historic buildings. Marienplatz is dominated by the Neues Rathaus, which covers 9,159 m² (3.5 sq mi) and has over 400 rooms. It was designed by Georg Hauberrisser, who won a competition to design the city’s new town hall. One of its most famous features is the elaborate Glockenspiel cuckoo clock with a carousel of figures dancing at 11am, noon, and 5pm.
Hofbräuhaus
The Hofbräuhaus is the cradle of Bavarian tavern culture - the origin of tradition, “Gemütlichkeit” and hospitality. Every day the Bavarian lust for life magically attracts people from of nations. The famous Hofbräuhaus dates back to the 16th century and offers the quintessential German beer hall experience complete with live brass band. Hofbräuhaus is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Munich. So sometimes it is hard to find a table and get a beer.
There are several options:
Schwemme. The historical Schwemme, which is located on the ground floor of the Hofbräuhaus, constitutes the heart of the Hofbräuhaus. Here, were the beer was once brewed, up to 1300 guests can be seated underneath the cross vaults at tables, some of which have already been here since 1897, as is proven by the numerous initials, names and comments carved into them. A bandstand where our in-house bands play every day forms the centre of the Schwemme. At the regulars` tables guests from all nations can experience the Bavarian way of life at first hand.
Biergarten. Underneath age-old chestnut trees and surrounded by the historical walls of the Hofbräuhaus there is the summerly meeting place for all who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the inner city. Entering the beer garden through the stately archway, visitors arrive at this oasis which takes them into another world. Our beer garden has room for almost 400 people to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Hofbräuhaus in the open air.
Bräustüberl. Stylish, Bavarian ambience and cultured, modern hospitality can be experienced in our beautiful Bräustüberl which is located on the first floor. Especially the inhabitants of Munich appreciate its pleasant turn of the century flair. Make yourself comfortable near the beautiful bay overlooking Platzl square or by the tile stove and enjoy a glass of Hofbräu beer, listen to folk music and let our cuisine spoil you. Our extensive menu includes both traditional Munich dishes and light Bavarian cuisine. Our friendly staff will turn your visit to the Bräustüberl in the Hofbräuhaus into a genuine Munich pleasure.
Festsaal. Built by Duke Wilhelm V. in 1589, the historical festival hall was among the rooms of the Hofbräuhaus that were destroyed most during World War II. After it was completely renovated in 1958, it can now be used again for festivities of all kinds, as it had been in the previous decades. The festival hall offering 650 seats provides every day an impressive setting for numerous traditions which are cultivated in our Bavarian homeland. Traditional folk music or the Schuhplattler dance guarantee a unique experience in the evening. Enjoy our fresh Hofbräu beer together with original Bavarian specialties á la carte.
The Peterskirche (“Church of St. Peter”)
The Peterskirche is one of Munich’s major landmarks, the oldest parish church in the city, and is known affectionately by the locals as Alter Peter (“Old Peter”). The church stands on Petersbergl hill, which is the only noteworthy elevation within the Munich’s historic Old Town, close to Marienplatz. It might not be as famous as the Frauenkirche, which is just a few walking minutes away, but it is magnificent.
From 56 metres (183.7 feet) up, look right down onto the rooftops of Aldstadt and Frauenkirche, the symbol of Munich. Once you have reached the top by a winding spiral staircase with approx 300 steps You can see over 100 kilometres (62 miles) into the distance panoramic views of Munich and the Alps!
There is an entrance fee for the observation deck. It is worth spending a little loose change for the telescopes that allow you enjoy a detailed view of the Old Town.
The Peterskirche has been standing on Petersbergl since the 11th century; over the course of time it was rebuilt and expanded several times. This explains the various styles in the works of art that can be found inside the church. These include a magnificent gilded high altar from the 18th century and large ceiling frescoes that extend along the entire nave. Marienplatz (“Mary’s Square”), the Viktualienmarkt (a farmers’ market), and the Rindermarkt (“Cattle Market”) are grouped around the church nave of the Alter Peter. Why were two clock faces placed on each side of the tower of the Alter Peter? According to legendary Munich comedian Karl Valentin: Well, so that two people could look at the clock at the same time.
Opening hours for the tower:
- Summer hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Closing: 7:00 p.m.
- Winter hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closing: 6:00 p.m.
Nymphenburg Palace
The baroque Nymphenburg palace in the west part of Munich, one of the largest royal palaces in Europe, was the summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs. It was built to celebrate the birth of the Bavarian heir Max Emanuel to the throne. Five generations of Wittelsbach rulers were involved in the construction of this stately ensemble, which houses several outstanding collections. With its beautiful gardens and grand rooms, it soon became a favorite of Bavarian rulers. With its lavishly decorated interior and the famous "Gallery of Beauties" commissioned by Ludwig I, the palace is one of Munich's favorite attractions. Among the highlights are the former bedroom of King Ludwig II and the impressive banquet hall with fine ceiling frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann. The parc of the Nymphenburg Castle is the second largest parc in Munich after the English Garden.
The often-visited Baroque tourist attraction with it's expansive landscaped garden and museum draws not only guests from around the world, but is also a beloved institution for Munich residents. For many years, the palace buildings were used by the Wittelsbachs as a summer residence. Some spaces have their original Baroque decor intact, while others were later remodeled in Rococo and Classical styles. Prominent architects like Giovanni Antonio Viscardi, Leo von Klenze, and François de Cuvilliés were involved in the expansions - the latter created the Steinernen Saal (“Great Hall”) in which Johann Baptist Zimmermann designed the central ceiling fresco, just two of the many additional attractions at Nymphenburg Palace. Also worth seeing are Ludwig I's Gallery of Beauties and the chamber where King Ludwig II was born.
Bavarian State Painting Collections
The Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen (Bavarian State Painting Collections) is the entrusted custodian of a very substantial part of the public art collections belonging to the Free State of Bavaria, as well as the museums in which the artworks are on show in Munich:
|
- ALTE PINAKOTHEK - «Milestones of European Painting» is a unique concentration of artworks, the presents the development of art from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance and the Baroque up to the end of the Rococo period. The collection comprises more than 700 artworks from the glittering epochs of German, Flemish, Netherlandish, French, Italian and Spanish painting. Leo von Klenze’s neoclassical building (completed in 1836), groundbreaking for European museum architecture at the time, provides the setting for this treasure trove of occidental art.
- NEUE PINAKOTHEK’s collection could be named «From Goya to Picasso». In the mid-19th century, King Ludwig I founded the Neue Pinakothek as the first public museum in Europe exclusively dedicated to contemporary art. Included in the collection are key works from the neoclassicist and Romantic periods, art nouveau and Impressionism, the Nazarene brotherhood and Deutschrömer or ‘German Roman’ artists, as well as major pioneers of modernism. From 31 December 2018 on the Neue Pinakothek is closed to the public for structural reasons and in preparation for a comprehensive renovation scheme. A selection of masterpieces of 19th-century art is on show on the GROUND FLOOR OF THE ALTE PINAKOTHEK (EAST WING) and in the Sammlung Schack.
- PINAKOTHEK DER MODERNE is one of the largest museums in the world for art, architecture and design of the 20th and 21st centuries. The architecture of the spacious building with the glass-roofed rotunda invites visitors to explore links between the museums and gain new and surprising insights. Exhibitions and events from a variety of cultural fields complete the interdisciplinary agenda.
- MUSEUM BRANDHORST. Spectacular architecture and two important work complexes by Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly characterise the MUSEUM BRANDHORST in the ‘Kunstareal’ Munich in addition to other works by Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter, Mike Kelley, Bruce Nauman and Damien Hirst, among others. Franz Lenbach’s Young Shepherd, and Moritz von Schwind’s Rübezahl and Des Knaben Wunderhorn (or ‘Youth’s Magic Horn’) – anyone growing up in Germany has seen these images, but where are the original paintings? The answer: the SAMMLUNG SCHACK
- SAMMLUNG SCHACK is a jewel among Munich’s many museums. Pictures of legends and fairy tales speak of distant lands and times past. After a period of renovation, the museum now presents its collection in a new guise and invites visitors to explore the visions and ideas of the German Romantics.
The Munich Residence
Munich residenz
The Munich Residence served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a castle in the north-eastern corner of the city (the Neuveste, or new citadel), was transformed by the rulers over the centuries into a magnificent palace, its buildings and gardens extending further and further into the town.
The rooms and art collections spanning a period that begins with the Renaissance, and extends via the early Baroque and Rococo epochs to Neoclassicism, bear witness to the discriminating taste and the political ambition of the Wittelsbach dynasty.
Much of the Residence was destroyed during the Second World War, and from 1945 it was gradually reconstructed. Today, with the museums of the Bavarian Palace Administration (the Residence Museum itself, the Treasury and the Cuvilliés Theatre) along with other cultural institutions, this is one of the largest museum complexes in Bavaria.