The capital of Bavaria
The smell of sugared, roasted almonds at Marien square and an enchanting winter atmosphere in one of Germany’s most beautiful towns – that’s how you can enjoy Yuletide in Munich. The world wide famous Oktoberfest is a crowd-puller in autumn. In winter time it is some 20 Christmas fairs which are being held in different parts of city. Munich, with lots of splendid buildings that testify to glorious times, is always worth a trip.
An ambience, that hardly can be more elegant, offers the Bavarian national theatre. Twice destroyed and rebuilt, the theatre impresses with a classicistic style of a Greek temple. It is place of performance of the Bavarian state opera and Bavarian state ballet’s ensembles. The stage was rebuilt after the Second World War and is with 2,500 square metres one of the biggest opera stages in the world. The auditorium has a splendid royal box and a total of 2100 seats. Famous operas by Wagner like „Tristan and Isolde“ or „The Valkyrie“ had their premiere in the national theatre in Munich. With over half a million guests and 350 performances the Bavarian state opera is among world‘s top league.
300 steps are to be taken at the 91 metre high tower of Peter's church, the oldest parish church in Munich. But once taken, one can enjoy a spectacular view of Munich. More comfortably is the ride by lift to the vantage platform of the 85 metre high city hall tower, but not the less excellent in view.
When getting hungry, you might want to relax or eat in one of Munich’s restaurants. Try one of the good solid Bavarian dishes with dumplings or simply enjoy a cup of coffee with tasty doughnuts and ice. You will be excited.
The new city hall at Marien square looks older than it is. It was built 1909 in neo-Gothic style, an architectural style popular during that time. At the top of the city hall‘s tower you can see the "Münchner Kindl" that is watching the town.
Coming from Dienerstrasse towards Max-Joseph square, the breath taking mighty facade of the residence comes in sight. To see such a big castle in the city centre is unique even in Germany. Don’t miss taking a tour through the interiors of the castle: living rooms held in different styles of various époques, halls and court chapels will take you back in time.
In the residence’s treasury one can admire the valuable crown regalia and others possessions of Bavarian rulers. The treasury testifies of Wittelsbachers‘ passion for gold and jewels. The decision of Herzog Albrecht V in 1565, to not pass on any longer family treasures was start for a unique collection. It was complemented at the end of the 18th century by the Palatine treasure and the wealth of churches and monasteries that became victims of secularization. Do not miss looking at those valuable treasures.
The Justizpalast, the central law court, is also worth seeing. The splendid building in neobaroque style is situated in the city centre and one of the most splendid buildings that has ever been constructed in Germany for justice. With a majestic glass dome the courts dominate the townscape at Karlsplatz square, also called Stachus. Built between 1890 and 1897, it is seat of the Bavarian Ministry of Justice.
Known to nobles and guests from all over the world, the hotel „Bayerischer Hof“ is situated in the heart of Munich. Built in 1841 as an accommodation for the guests of Bavarian King Ludwig I, it still offers today an exclusive elegant ambience.
A short trip of half an hour by bus takes you to castle Nymphenburg. It is a 500 metre wide splendid building in rococo and classicism style. The main drive, canal, wells and gardens form a picture that is nothing less impressive than the inside of the castle itself.
Do not forget to pay a visit to Olympic Park. The area was venue of Summer Olympics 1972. Today numerous cultural, social or religious events take place at Olympic Park. The Olympic tower grants a great view of the town, its surrounding and not to forget the BMW towers.
TIP: Visit the BMW museum in Oberwiesenfeld/Munich. It offers exciting changing exhibitions on history, present and future of the brand as well as insight into car delivery.
More information: http://www.muenchen.de/int/en
Photo: Capricorn Studio/Shutterstock
