Munich, in the heart of Europe

Munich City Guide 2008

Munich History

Munich takes it name from München, from the word for monks, referring to the small Benedictine monastic community, which had been established by the River Isar in the early 9^th century. The Münchener Kindl. Or little monk, is the city emblem. Duke Henry the Lion, built a bridge over the river and fortified the town, it then prospered as the centre of the regional salt monopoly. In 1158, Munich became the duel residence of the powerful Wittelsbachs, later to rule Germany in 1255, and the Bavarian capital in 1503

During the 17^th and 18^th centuries the Wittelsbachs enriched the city. Churches and 2 palaces where built. Munich further expanded in the 19^th century under King Ludwig 1.Longing to remodel his capital on the cities of ancient Greece, he inaugurated Ludwigstrasse, which was finished in 1852. He also founded the university and endowed the city with some of its greatest art collections. His successor, King Maximilian 1, commissioned the architect Friedrich BÃ¼rklein to lay out Maximilianstrasse between 1852-1875.

Munich, which is the capital of Bavaria, has a reputation for an easygoing life style. Its motto is the "The world city with a heart" The two main festival times are Fasching January to Shrove Tuesday and the ubiquitous "Oktoberfest"

The city was severely damaged inthe second world war and has seen a lot of reconstruction and new development. Four great city gates survive. Sendlinger Tor, Isartor, Siegestor and Karlstor which is located at Karlsplatz and is universally known as Stachus. The name came from Eustachius Foederl who, ran an 18^th century beer cellar. This is the start of the Pedestrian area, which extends to Isartor and contains many fine churches, restaurants, shops and places of interest. Along this area called Neuhauser Strasse is the Altes Rathaus in Marienplatz, and the world famous twin towered church Frauenkirche.

Just off from Marienplatz is the wonderful Viktualienmarkt with its selection of high quality produce from around Europe and the world. If you love olives this the best place to buy them.

To the north of Marienplatz is the attractive Residenz and Nationaltheater on Max-Joseph-Platz. The Alte Hof was the court of the ruling Wittelsbach family from 1253 and has a superb tree lined courtyard. At the end of Weinstrasse, which leads of from Marienplatz opens into Odeonsplatz which has the Theatinerkirche and the infamous Feldernhalle used by Hitler to make speeches. The Feldernhalle built in 1840s and has two statues of Bavarian generals, Tilly (1559-1632) how fought in the 30 year war and Wrede (1767-1838) who fought in the Napoleonic wars. A statue in the centre is a memorial to the Bavarian army which fought in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871

A short walk from here is the hofgarten with its manicured gardens and a feeling of elegance. Maximilianstrasse is well known for its many elegant and exclusive shops. At the other end, the Strasse goes over the Maximiliansbrücke to the Maximilaneum which houses the Bavarian parliament and senate.

More information about Munich is on Wikipedia. For more Munich related information, please use the following link. Munich This is where you can find Oktoberfest information.