Munich is one of the most prosperous and fastest
growing cities in Germany. In 2013, Monocle ranked Munich as the world’s most livable
city with the highest quality of life.
Main attractions of Munich:
At the center of the city is the Marienplatz, a
large open square with a Marian column in its center, with the Old and the New
Town Hall. Its tower contains the Rathaus-Glockenspiel (more pictures – next blog).
New Town Hall with a Marian column and the Rathaus-Glockenspiel
Old Town Hall
St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche) close to
Marienplatz is the oldest church of the inner city. It was first built during
the Romanesque period, and was the focus of the early monastic settlement in
Munich before the city’s official foundation in 1158. Nearby St. Peter’s
Church, the Gothic hall-church – Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche) –
was converted to baroque style from 1724 onwards and looks down upon the
Viktualienmarkt, the most popular market of Munich.
Munich Cathedral (Frauenkirche) is the most famous
building in the city center. The nearby St. Michael’s Church (Michaelskirche)
is the largest renaissance church north of the Alps.
The Hofbrauhaus am Platzl (below), arguably the most
famous beer hall worldwide, is located in the city center. It also operates the
second largest tent at the Oktoberfest, one of Munich’s most famous attractions
(more pictures - following blog).
The large Residence Palace complex (begun in 1385) on
the edge of Munich’s Old Town ranks among Europe’s most significant museums of
interior decoration. Having undergone several extensions, it contains also the
treasury and the splendid rococo Cuvillie’s Theater (pictures from inside –
following blog). Next door to the Residence, stands the neo-classical opera, the
National Theater.
Residence Palace
National Theater
Nymphenburg Palace (below), located not far away
from the city center, is surrounded by an impressive park and is considered to
be one of Europe’s most beautiful royal residences.
Next to the Olympic Park stands BMW Headquarters - museum opened to visitors.
http://www.bmw-welt.com/en/visitor_information/guided_tours/museum.html
