As the state capital of Bavaria, Munich has a history stretching back to the 12th Century, when a settlement of Benedictine monks established a residence on a salt route. The Wittelsbach family ruled over Munich for over 800 years, and built many architectural marvels which are still standing today. This article rounds up some of the must-see sites in this historic city – from a 12th Century cathedral to the site of some of history’s darkest days.
St Peter’s Church
The site of St Peter’s Church has a history that precedes the founding of Munich as a city itself. Consecrated in the 12th Century, Alter Peter is known as the oldest operating church in Munich. This stunning gothic Cathedral’s interior is as magnificent as its exterior.
Fresco ceilings and Baroque fittings make the inside of this church a sight for sore eyes. Master sculptor Erasmus Grasser himself contributed to the High Altar, a column of gold statues that pay tribute to key figures in the Bible.
Looking for an adrenaline rush while enjoying the history? Venture up the fourteen flights of spiral stairs to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view of Munich old town.
Here’s more information about this iconic building.
Dachau Concentration Camp
Dachau was the first of the Nazi concentration camps to be established, and is just 20 minutes away from the city of Munich. Initially created to hold just political prisoners, the population eventually grew to include people the Nazi regime deemed ‘asocial.’
Many of the original buildings, including the gas chambers and mass graves have been preserved, giving the entire camp an eerie feeling. Pick up an audio guide or join one of the many tours available for in-depth information about
Book a tour to this sobering site here.
Nymphernburg Schloss
Probably one of Germany’s most iconic monuments – this palace was commissioned in the 17th Century, and expanded over the years. A beloved summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria, the palace and surrounding 200-hectare park would easily take an entire day to appreciate fully.
Every wing in the palace is decorated in a different style, while staying true to the overall Baroque theme. Most notable is the Hall of Mirrors, which is decked out in the Bavarian national colours – silver and blue.
Discover the colourful history of this monument here.
Gasteig Cultural Centre
From the outside, it’s an unassuming concert hall and the seat of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. Dig a little deeper into the history of the land itself, however, and there’s more than meets the eye.
In the 1900s, there was a beer hall – Bürgerbräukeller - on the site where the Cultural Centre now stands. This is where the Munich Beer Hall Putsch – a failed coup by Adolf Hitler - took place in 1923. The subsequent arrest and imprisonment of Hitler earned the public’s sympathy and catalyzed his rise to power.
The Bürgerbräukeller is also known as the place where Georg Elser, a German factory worker, carried out a daring assassination attempt on Hitler, killing eight and injuring many others. Today, there is a showcase in the Gasteig that pays tribute to him.
Learn more about the Gasteig Cultural Centre here.
Hirschgarten
It wouldn’t be a roundup of Munich’s most historic sites without a mention of one of the oldest beer gardens in the city. Formerly a social venue frequented by Bavaria’s ruling elite, this gorgeous urban park and restaurant dates back to the 1700s, and is now home to the largest beer garden in Munich.
Peruse the history and menu here.
