Munich – the Capital of Bavaria

Munich, which is Munchen in German, was founded near the settlement of Monacum monks who chose the favorable place close to Isar river in Bavaria (see germany maps) for their village. The bridge over Isar river attracted the interest of the Duke Henry the Lion who intended to earn some money from travelers and traders crossing the river by the bridge. The Duke’s financial intensions caused the establishment of the city in the end of the 12 th century. The city was called after the name of the monks.

May be the initial desire of Henry predetermined the prosperous future of Munich – it became the economically growing center of Bavaria and one of the largest and richest city in the South of Germany. Besides, in the 14 th century Munich became the official residence of the Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV. After being titled as the capital of Bavaria in the 16 th century Munich opened its gates to the world cultural movement. In the modern days Munich is the center of Oktoberfest celebrations in Germany.

The city favored the blossom of arts, science and music of different directions: art schools, academies and universities opened their doors to the students who further brought the fame to this city. For example, Albert Einstein was a student in Munich, Rudolf Diesel worked at his inventions there. Now historical and art museums and galleries demonstrate the unique collections and hold exhibitions for those who want to keep an eye on Bavaria history.

Being a historical center of Bavaria Munich is a splendid place for sightseeing at the same time. Here you can find architecture of different centuries – the gothic St. Peter church and St. Mary cathedral, the renaissance St. Michael church, the baroque Theatiner’s church and the rococo Asam church. The most impressive thing in the Munich center is 99-meters towers of the St. Mary’s cathedral which are more than five hundred years old.

Two castles are worth seeing in Munich

The world-famous Neuschwanstein castle and

Nymphenburg castle

which is much smaller and a little older than Neuschwanstein but worth visiting due to its perfect baroque architecture.

The antiquity fans cannot help attending the Munich Glyptothek museum with the relics of the ancient arts.

Other sights worth seeing:

The city center – Marienplatz with the Old Town Hall and

The Munich four Gates

Related links:

Find Munich map

Munich airport

Museums and art galleries addresses

Get celebrations in the main city of Oktoberfest