From Penzberg we drove down to Munich which was just about 50 kms away, and perfect for a day trip. Needless to say the drive through some countryside and the Autobahn was beautiful.
Munich is the capital and largest city of the state of
Bavaria in southern Germany. It is also one of the country's most populous
cities. Munich is known for its rich history, culture, and vibrant arts scene.
While in Munich we decided to spend our time in its Old Town as the urban sprawl did not particularly interest us. Here are the wonderful monuments that impressed us.
The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) in Munich, Germany, is one
of the city's most iconic landmarks and an impressive example of neo-Gothic
architecture.
The New Town Hall was built between 1867 and 1908 and was designed by the architect Georg von Hauberrisser. The New Town Hall is located in the Marienplatz, which is the central square in Munich's historic city center. The New Town Hall continues to serve as the seat of the city's administration and government. It houses various municipal offices and departments, making it a working government building as well as a historic and cultural attraction. One of the most distinctive features of the New Town Hall is its Glockenspiel, a famous clock tower and carillon. The Glockenspiel consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figurines that reenact historical events and stories from Munich's past. The performance occurs daily at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM (as well as an additional show at 5:00 PM in summer). We missed taking a video of this performance unfortunately.
The Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum) in Munich is a delightful museum dedicated to the history and art of toys. It's a great place to explore if you're interested in toys, collectibles, or simply want to enjoy a unique museum experience while visiting Munich. No, we did not enter in there.
Stadtsparkasse München is one of the oldest banks in Germany founded in 1824.
St. Peter’s Church dating back to the 14th century is one of the oldest and most iconic churches in Munich, Germany.
The Orlando-Haus is a beer hall and restaurant named after Renaissance composer and court conductor, Orlando di Lasso, who lived on the site in the 16th century. Now home to the Michelin-starred restaurant, Schuhbecks Orlando, the Orlando-Haus has been serving up elegance for a century.
The Munich Residenz, often referred to simply as the Residenz, is a historic palace complex located in the heart of Munich, Germany.
It served as the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria and is one of the city's most significant architectural and cultural landmarks. The Munich Residenz has a rich history dating back to the late 16th century. It was originally a small castle known as the Neuveste (New Citadel) but was transformed into a magnificent palace over the centuries by various rulers of the Wittelsbach dynasty. The Residenz is an architectural masterpiece, blending Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles.
The Hofgarten is a garden in the
center of Munich, Germany, located between the Residenz and the Englischer
Garten.
The Diana Temple is situated in the Hofgarten, a well-manicured garden adjacent to the Residenz, Munich's royal palace. It provides a tranquil and picturesque setting within the bustling city center.
The frescoes in the Hofgarten contribute to the garden's unique atmosphere, providing visitors with both natural beauty and artistic splendor. They serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Munich and are a captivating aspect of the garden's overall design. Visitors can enjoy not only the lush greenery but also the visual delights of these frescoes while exploring the Hofgarten.
The Theatine Church of St. Cajetan and Adelaide (German: Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan und Adelheid) is a Catholic church in Munich, southern Germany. Built from 1663 to 1690, it was founded by Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, as a gesture of thanks for the birth of the long-awaited heir to the Bavarian crown, Prince Max Emanuel, in 1662. Now administered by the Dominican Friars, it is also known as the Dominican Priory of St. Cajetan.
We cheered our Munich day trip at the The Hofbräuhaus München,
one of Munich's most famous and historic beer halls. The Hofbräuhaus was
founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria. It was initially established as a
royal brewery to provide beer for the Bavarian royal family. Over the
centuries, it has evolved into a renowned beer hall and a symbol of Bavarian
beer culture.
Munich or München must be agog now with Oktoberfest, the world's largest Volksfest, featuring a beer festival and a travelling carnival.
Of course we might have missed out on many more places to
see but we chose to see what was possible in a day that was representative of Munich.
Now stay tuned for our day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen.
