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| Munich
(Ger. Muenchen), population approx. 1.25 Million,the capital of the Land of
Bavaria lies on the gravel banks of the Isar river, which flows through the
middle of the city. It is 25-37 km (16-23M.) from the edge of the Alps and 1,700 ft. above sea level. The oldest form of the name Munich is Munichen, i.e."The home of the monks". The city traces it's origin to the Benedictine foundation at Tegernsee. In 1255 the Wittelsbach family of Kings took up residence in Munich and for 700 years, until the 1918 revolution, remained closely connected with the city's destiny. In WWII nearly 50% of Munich's buildings were destroyed but all of the damage was subsequently repaired. Some of the ancient buildings still standing are three of the seven original town gates-- Karlstor, Sendlingertor and Isartor, all dating from the 14th century--and medieval buildings such as the Cathedral(1468-88) and the old Town Hall(1470-80), in the Marienplatz. The new City Hall is housed in a magnificent neo-Gothic building with flowers pouring over balconies and the strangest gargoyles reaching over the roof lines. Munich's sky line is characterized by the two round towers of the Frauenkirche and also the sharp needle of the tower of City Hall. An impressive gathering of hundreds of people takes place every day around 11:00A.M on the Marienplatz in front of City Hall to await the elaborate mechanism of the Glockenspiel and the dance of colorful-dressed figurines, which starts on the 11th hour. Take the city tour above |
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