Munich Tourist Information

Sights - Historic buildings, churches, monuments

Museums and Palaces

Special Visits

Marienplatz with Old and New Townhall, Mariensäule
The true heart of Munich. On the eastern side the Old Townhall from 1480. At the New Townhall with its neo-Gothic facade (1867-1908) the world famous

Glockenspiel (Carillon). In the middle of the square the Mariensäule (Column of the Virgin Mary).

Frauenkirche - Cathetral of Our Dear Lady
A landmark of Munich. Built in the late Gothic periode 1468-88, the domes added 1525. The brick-building is 109m long and 40m wide. Inside the windows from the 14th-16th century, the tomb of Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian and the devil's footprint are worth seeing.

St. Peter's Church
Munich oldest parish church, first time mentioned in 1181. The interior was reshaped about 1750 in the "Bavarian Baroque" style. The 91m high tower (called "Old Peter") offers the best view of the Old Town and the skyline of Munich.

Stadtschreiberhaus - Town Clerk's House
One of the oldest, definitely however the finest of the Munich citizen houses out of the Gothic periode. From 1552 to 1612 office of the town clerk. Typical Munich dormers (called "Ohrwaschl" ) and the in this period usual so-called "Stairway to Heaven".

"Alter Hof" - first Munich Residence of the Wittelsbach rulers
Commissioned by Duke Ludwig the Strict in 1253, Under Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian from 1328 seat of the Holy Roman Empire. The colours of the empire black/gold became the colours of the city of Munich. In the inner courtyard the wooden "Monkey Tower".

Hofbräuhaus - the world's most famous beer hall
The brewery was founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V in order to satisfy the thirst for beer of the regent and the ducal court. Later it became the most popular beerhall of the locals, nowadays more frequented by tourists. Daily beer consumption ca.10,000 litres.

Münzhof - Arcaded Court of the Old Mint
the building served as horse stables und private art museum of Duke Albrecht V - built in 1567. From 1807 Royal Mint, since 1995 Bavarian State Conservation. One of the most attractive arcaded courts in the Renaissance style to be seen north of the alps.

Maximilianstrasse und Maximilianeum
The splendid boulevard commissioned by King Maximilan II in the unique so-called Maximilian style is Munichs most luxurious and expensive shopping mile. At the eastern end the "Maximilianeum" - seat of the Bavarian Parliament and home for elite students.

Nationaltheater - Bavarian State Opera House
The first building commissioned by King Max.I (1811-1818) burnt down five years after its completion. The rebuilding was destroyed in the second world war. In 1963 a reconstuction of the first building could be opened. The theater covers more than 2000 visitors.

New Residence of the Bavarian Dukes, Electors and Kings
In 1385 the Bavarian dukes decided tu built an new residence. The beginning was a small water castle In the course of the centuries the rulers transformed the castle into one of the largest palaces in Europe.

history. Ca.130 splendid rooms can be visited.

Palais Preysing
First palace in the Rococo style in Munich (1723-1728) designed by court architect Joseph Effner. Wonderful stucco ornaments at the facades. Inside an imposing ceremonial staircase with paintings of Count Preysing and Elector Max Emanuel.

Feldherrnhalle - Hall of Generals
Commissoned by King Ludwig I to honor two generals: Count Tilly - a hero in the 30-years'-war and K.P.von Wrede, who fought against Napoleon 1814/15. Architect: F. von Gärtner, modelled after the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. Scene of Hitler's putsch in 1923.

Theatine Church St. Cajetan
The church was built by Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife H. Adelaide of Sovoy in gratitude for the long desired birth of a son and successor to the throne (1663). First building in the Italian Baroque style in Munich. In the crypt tombs of most of the Wittelbach rulers.

Hofgarten - Royal Garden
The Hofgarten was initiated by Elector Maximilian I. - modelled after the pattern of Italian Renaissance gardens (1613-17). In the center a temple devoted to Diana. On the eastern side the in 1993 erected Bavarian State Chancellery, seat of the Bavarian prime minister.

Friedensengel - Angel of Peace
The monument celebrates the continuance of 25 years of peace after the German-French war 1870/71. It surveys Prinzregenten Street, a prestigious street named after Prinzregent Luitpold ruling after the death of King Ludwig II. Nice mosaics in the base hall.

Ludwigstrasse
This great boulevard is another realisation of King Ludwig I's dreams to make Munich a city of royal dimensions.The palazzi at the southern end in Italian Renaissance style by L.von Klenze, university, St.Ludwig, Bavarian state library by F.von Gärtner.

Siegestor - Victory Gate
The gate crowns the northern end of Ludwigstrasse. King Ludwig I. dedicated it to the victorious Bavarian army. Modelled by architect F.v.Gärtner after Constantine's Arch in Rome. The Siegestor is starting point of Leopoldstrasse, Schwabing's "lounge-about mile".

Königsplatz - King's Square
Königsplatz is the result of King Ludwig I's desire to turn Munich into an "Athens by the Isar". On this square he let built three buildings in different antique Greek styles: the Doric Propyläen, the Ionic-fronted Glyptothek and the Antikensammmlung in the Corinth style.

Erzbischöfliches Palais - Archbishop's Palace
The palace was a present of Elector Karl Albrecht to his mistress S.v.Ingelheim, later then residence of the common illegitimate son, Count Holnstein. Architect: F.Cuvilliés, 1737. Since 1818 residence of the archbishop. Its facade is a marvel of Rococo stucco work.

Promenadeplatz
Today the former salt market is dominated by the tradition-rich hotel "Bayerischer Hof" (1841). Near by a modern sculpture of Count Montgelas, an important minister under King Max I.At the monument of Orlando di Lasso a memorial place for Michael Jackson.

Wittelsbacher Brunnen - Wittelsbach Fountain
The Wittelsbach Fountain is the most monumental and most beautiful fountain in Munich. Built in 1895 by A. v. Hildebrand to commemorate the construction of Munich's water supply system. It shows two statues symbolizing the benefis and danger of water.

Künstlerhaus - Artists' House on Lenbachplatz
The house was a kind of club house of the Munich artists about 1900. At that time lived and worked in Munich about 4,000 artists. The society-painter F.v.Lenbach had the idea. Architect: G.v.Seidl. The artist's parties, carnival balls here are from legendary call.

Justizpalast - Palace of Justice
Monumental building in the Neobaroque style. Entrance: Prielmayerstrasse. Today district court. Built 1891-1897 according plans of architect F.v.Thiersch. Opportunity of taking a glance into the with a gigantic steel glass dome roofed courtyard .

Bavaria und Ruhmeshalle - Statue of Bavaria and Hall of Fame
Bavarian national monument. The Germanic woman symbolizes the first mother of all Bavarians. The 18m-high figure was 1850-86 the world's highest bronze statue. Steps inside lead to the head. Behind it the Hall of Fame with busts of Bavarian persons of merit

Karlsplatz/Stachus
Named after Elector Karl Theodor. The locals prefer to call it "Stachus" after Eustachius Foederl who kept here a popular inn and beergarden about 1800. In the middle of the half round neo-Baroque style buildings the remains of Karlstor, a medieval city gate

Bürgersaal - Citizens' Hall
Primary a meeting hall of citizens. In 1780 to a church consecrated. Theupper floor is decorated in grand Baroque style. The simple lower chapel contains the tomb of priest Rupert Mayer who worked for the resistance against the Nazi regime.

St.Michael's Church
Largest Renaissance church north of the Alps. Built 1583-1597 under the patronage of Duke Wilhelm V as a symbol for the triumph of the Catholicism over north German Lutheranism. At the facade sculptures of Bavarian rulers. The barrel vault inside spans 20 m.

St.Johann-Nepomuk Church ("Asam Church")
The former privat church of the famous artists-brothers C.D. and E.Q.Asam is Munich's loveliest church. It ranks among the finest Rococo style churches in the world. Inside splendid stucco work and fresco paintings. Beside the church the home of E.Q.Asam.

Sendlinger Tor - Sendling City Gate
One of three still available city gates from the Middle Ages (1318), the octogonal towers are still original from that time. It was exit/entry for traders to/from Italy. The 4000m long city wall which once surrounded Munich was rebuilt under Elector Karl Theodor in 1791.

Municipal Arsenal and New Synagogue on St.-Jakobs-Platz
The Municipal Arsenal served in the Middle Ages as storage for arms and cannons and for grain in emergency times. The building houses today the Munich City Museum. Besides since 2007 the new synagogue "Ohel Jakob" and a Jewish museum.

Isartor und Valentin Museum - Isar Gate and Valentinmusäum
Part of the second fortification erected under Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian (1337). It is the only one of the three still existing medieval city gates which remained basicly in its complete dimensions. In the southern tower the Karl-Valentin-Musäum with amusing exhibits.

Museums and Palaces

Special Visits