Munich City guide - The capital city of the Free State of Bavaria and third largest city of Germany (1.3 million inhabitants) lies in the center of the Bavarian plateau. It was founded on the 14th of June in the year 1158 by the Guelph Duke Heinrich den Lowen (Henry the Lion). Later on Bavaria was taken over by the House of Wittelsbach. Munich then became a residency with the status of a city (1294). In 1504 Munich became the capital of the entire Duchy of Bavaria, in 1806 the capital of the Kingdom of Bavaria. Today Munich is a center of European culture, an important industrial town and an international center for economic affairs. Tourism accounts for more than 5 million overnight stays. The particular charm of the metropolis on the banks of the Isar - also called "the world capital with a heart" - lies in the mingling of tradition with simultaneous cosmopolitan flair.
Munich from the Air
The heart of the city seen from the air. This gives a good view of the Neue Rathaus which was built in three phases (1867-1903) by v.Hauberisser. ln the tower of the town hall is the chiming clock with the clockwork animated figures,which is the fourth largest in Europe. Every day at 11 am the figures rotate to the music of the chimes. They depict scenes from the history of Munich.
Sightseeing Munich
Marienplatz (Virgin Mary Square) , Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
The Pedestrian area
Center of the Pedestrian area is the Marienplatz with the old and new Town Hall, this is connected to the Kaufingerstrasse which is followed by the Neuhauserstrasse which then reaches the Karlsplatz. There are also roads branching off which also belong to the pedestrian area, such as the Theatinerstrasse or the area around the cathedral. The pedestrian area was started in 1972 and has expanded more and more. It is where the people of Munich spend a lot of their time. There are lots of flower pots and beds, chairs to rest and different types of playful fountains making Munich's pedestrian area one of the most attractive in Europe. There are large department stores inviting you to come in and browse, and a whole range of restaurants and places to eat offering the original Munich specialties. Weather permitting, the lively city atmosphere becomes even more attractive when street musicians and amateur dramatic groups perform. The photo on the left shows the Neuhauser Strasse with the Michaelskirche (1583-88). the largest church of the Renaissance period. Other things to see in the pedestrian area are the Burgers (citizen's hall), the Alte Akadamie (old academy) and the Jagdmuseum (hunting museum). The Viktualienmark a large and traditional food market, also forms part of the pedestrian area. It originated in the middle ages based on the community tradition, and despite today's international pallet of goods on offer such a tropical fruits. French wines, olives and lobster, it has still maintained its typical Munich - Bavarian atmosphere. Amongst the numerous stands (offering flowers, fruit and vegetables, milk produce and eggs. meat and bread), the pleasant beer garden and big, shady chestnut trees as well as the traditional Maypole, there are six fountain figures in remembrance of popular Munich comedians including Karl Valentin, Liesl Karlstadt and Weiss Ferdl.
The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
Its true name is "Cathedral of our Lady". The foundation stone for one of the largest gothic hall churches in southern Germany was laid by duke Sigismund in 1468. The architect was Jorg von Halspach who died in 1488 and whose work was continued by L. Rottaler. The towers with their unusual heads, which were not built until 1525. are today the most well-known landmark of the city In 1821 the Cathedral became the cathedral church of the archbishop of Munich-Freising. Inside you can visit the bishops' tombs, the vaults of the House of Wittelsbach and the tomb of the last King of Bavaria, Ludwig III.
