Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria, is located in southern Germany and has a strong economy with the headquarters of international companies such as BMW Group and Allianz Insurance. Munich is also an old city, with several historical churches built around Marienplatz. The 20th Summer Olympics were held in Munich in 1972.
Munich appeared before 1158 and Marienplatz (Maria’s Square) is the center of the old town. There are many historical buildings around the square, including the Old Town Hall and the New Town Hall of Munich, as well as several historic churches such as Munich Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) and St. Peter’s Church. The main tower of the New Town Hall and the bell towers of different styles of churches together form a charming skyline of the Old Town.
City Living Room and Landmarks
Marienplatz is the most lively place in Munich's Old Town. It is located in the center of the old town pedestrian street and is named after Mary's Column in the center of the square. The New City Hall, the Old Town Hall, and the Munich Frauenkirche are all located here.
FC Bayern's Favourite Balcony
Munich's New Town Hall is located on the north side of Marienplatz and has been in operation since 1874. It has an 85-meter-tall main tower, where the Rathaus-Glockenspiel show is on stage every day. It houses 400 rooms for the offices of the Mayor and city council.
Devil's Footprint
The Frauenkirche, or Cathedral of Our Dear Lady in Munich was built in 1468, its two 99-meter-high bell towers are still the highest point in the city. As the seat of Archbishop, it has a hall with a capacity of 20,000 people, and legends abound about the Devil's Footstep in the entrance porch.
The Emblematic Old Peter
St. Peter's Church in Munich dates back to 1150, long before the city was founded, and locals used to call it Alter Peter (Old Pete). With its 91-meter-high bell tower, St. Peter's Church is dedicated to St. Peter and features a ceiling fresco depicting Peter's martyrdom.
World's Second Largest Altar Mural
Ludwigskirche in Munich was built in 1829 by German architect Gärtner as a neo-Romanesque building with 71-meter-tall twin towers. Named after its patron, King Ludwig I of Bavaria, the church houses the world's second-largest altar fresco, The Last Judgment.
The BMW Group is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, with many well-known brands such as BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce. The well-known four-cylinder BMW headquarters building is located in the northern suburbs of Munich, and at the foot of the building are the BMW Museum and BMW World. The BMW Museum has a collection of over a hundred classic models, while BMW World is a large sales showroom, where visitors can experience the latest BMW products.
Explore the 100-year History of Speed
The BMW Museum is located at the foot of the BMW headquarters building in Munich, it tells the story of BMW's 100-year history. The museum houses more than 100 classic BMW models, ranging from engines, motorcycles, Formula 1 cars, saloons, to sedans and concept cars.
World's Largest BMW Sales Center
Just one street away from the BMW headquarters and the BMW Museum, BMW Welt is the world's largest sales and exhibition center for the BMW brand. With BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce on display, guests can experience the latest products up close and personal.
To meet the leisure needs of locals and visitors, Munich has a number of urban green spaces. Some are located in the bustling city center, some were once gardens belonged to the Royal Palace, and some have been converted from ancient city gates. These urban gardens vary in size, with English Garden as the biggest one, stretching from downtown to suburb, in an astonishingly massive scale.
One of World's Largest Urban Parks
The English Garden in Munich is one of the most extensive urban gardens in Europe, spreading from the city center to the edge of the city. With the exception of the iconic Monopteros and the Chinese Tower, the garden has been preserved in all its natural glory, making it a rare place for relaxation and fitness.
Venue of the 20th Summer Olympics
The Olympic Park in Munich was the site of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, with the main Olympic Stadium and other venues, especially the nearly 300-meter-high Olympic Tower located in the park. After the 1972 Olympic Games, Munich Olympic Park has also hosted many events and important activities.
Former Palace of the Monarchs of Bavaria
From the end of the 14th century until 1918, the Munich Residence was owned by the Wittelsbach family as the palace of the Bavarian monarchs. Today it has been converted into a museum with 10 courtyards and 130 exhibition rooms, with the attached Court Garden located on the north side of the palace complex.
Triangle Surrounded by Classic Architectures
Located at the southern end of Ludwigstrasse, The Odeonsplatz in Munich's is marked by the Feldherrnhalle, a monumental loggia of the Bavarian Army, and the Theatine Church to the west. And the Court Garden of Munich Residenz, located just across the wall from the Odeonsplatz, is an ideal place to relax.
Greek Style Architectures
Königsplatz, or King's Square in Munich is a neoclassical city square that took 50 years to complete, with Propyläen Gate at the front side, flanked by the Staatliche Antikensammlungen and the Glyptothek.