 The
1,3 million city of Munich is the capital of Bavaria and its economic and
cultural centre. First mentioned in a document in 1158, Munich was
granted city status in 1175. It is supposed that the city at the Isar river
possibly originates from a settlement of Benedictine monks in the 8th century
at the Petersbergl, today’s location of the church of St.Peter.
Three gates still bear witness to the mediaeval fortification - Isar
Gate (Isartor), the Sendlinger Gate (Sendlinger Tor) and the reconstructed
Karl’s Gate (Karlstor). The core of the historic Old Town and the oldest
square is Mary’s Square (Marienplatz), a beautiful place with a Marian
column in its centre, which is surrounded by interesting historic
buildings and cultural monuments, such as the Old and New Town Halls in
gothic style with the famous chime at the new hall, the nearby mediaeval
church of St.Peter and the cathedral of Our Lady (Frauenkirche). The 99
metre (325 feet) high twin towers of the cathedral are the landmark of
the city and give, together with the 92 metre (302 feet) high tower of
St.Peter and the 85 metre high steeple of the New Town Hall, spectacular
views over the city. Also, Ludwig I enriched Munich with magnificent neoclassical
buildings, such as those at the Royal Square (Koenigsplatz) and the Royal
Ludwig Avenue (Ludwigstrasse). Of course there is much more to be seen
in this grand city. A must are among others the three Pinakotheks as well
as the German Museum, the world’s largest museum of technology and science,
with approximately 1.3 million visitors per year and about 28,000 exhibited
objects from 50 fields.
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New Townhall
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Old Townhall
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St. Peter
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Karlstor
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Isartor
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Siegestor
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However, the city became famous through its car production (BMW) and the
Festival of Beer, which takes place every year in October at the “Wiesn”
(Theresienwiesen). It has a long tradition, the origins of which go back
to 1810, when it was part of royal wedding celebrations. As the Bavarians
maintain, it became the world’s biggest public festival. May be they did
not count the grandiose festivals in India and China. However, it was reported
that in 2007, during the 16 days of beer, fun and Gemutlichkeit (cosiness)
6,.2 million people from all over the world consumed  approximately
6.7 million “Masss” (stein) of beer, thousands of “Hendl” (chickens) and
104 oxen. The  prices
for beer were comparatively high – one litre costs between € 7.30
and € 7.90. However, Bavarian beer is very good and tasty.
A special tourist spot in this connection is the “Hofbraeuhaus” in the
inner city, one of the most famous beer halls. There is a very special
rustic atmosphere; a typical Bavarian brass band, (the players dressed
in short, leather trousers), plays and people sing and laugh loud, enjoying
their “Mass” beer. By the way, the meals there are tasty and of good value. |
