The Residenz was the palace of the Dukes & Kings of Bavaria, the Wittelsbachs. It was over the top and so very Bavarian at the same time!
Tour Day 7: Arriving in Munchen
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The Berner Oberland, our last gondola descent, driving out of the Swiss Alps and our last Swiss rest stop.
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The facade of our hotel, breakfast, our room, Ida pointing the way!
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Walking Tour of Munich with Andrea
On the way to our group dinner at the Ratskeller on Marienplatz Andrea pointed out some landmarks such as St. Peter's, the Old Town Hall and the New Town Hall. She also taught us how to get back to our hotel. Look for the May Pole in the Viktualienmarkt and then Ida points the way home! After dinner she took anyone who wanted to go to the Hofbrauhaus so they could stay for the beer garden if they chose. I ran in to get myself a sweatshirt. 18 years ago I was here and wore out the Hofbrauhaus sweatshirt that I loved, so I got myself a new one!
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The Marienplatz and surrounding streets were happening, and it was an absolutely gorgeous evening out for taking a stroll and making the most of Munich's beautiful lighting!
Tour Day 8: Exploring Munchen and Meeting the Wittelsbachs
Some of the stunningly vibrant produce of the Viktualienmarkt.
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Morning Photography ~ MunichWe got up early this morning and headed out for some photography before breakfast and our city walking tour. We focused on the Viktualienmarkt and St. Peter's Church as both markets and Churches are generally open early and are therefore good stops for your early mornings. The vendors were just finishing setting up in the Viktualienmarkt and boy did they have some stunning bread, flowers, pickles, candies, produce etc... for sale. Everything looked fantastic! We then headed for St. Peter's and its' interior. We are always quiet and discreet and keep to the back and sides of the church so as not to disturb anyone who is praying or involved in a service. St. Peter's was fascinating for its' many confessionals listing which languages that priest spoke.
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Munich Walking TourWe met our local guide David and he took us along with him through the history of his city. He educated us on the history of the buildings in the Marienplatz, the main square of Munich. They were largely destroyed during WWII and rebuilt as they were instead of more modern like Frankfurt. Munich suffered much during WWII. It was targeted by the Allies for being the birthplace of Nazism. This was evidenced by the pictures of the devastation of St. Michael's Church, which we had time to look around in. We ended at Odeonsplatz and its' Hall of Heroes, an arcaded loggia modeled after the one in Florence and part of the Wittelsbachs' grand vision of modern urban planning. We then said good-bye to David and the rest of the day was ours to do with as we wished.
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Odeonsplatz lion and the Theatinerkirche. The Church contains about half of the Wittelsbach tombs.
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Brett and Jodi in the the Antiquarium.
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The ResidenzThe Residenz was the seat of power for 500 years of the ruling family of Bavaria, the Wittelsbach's. It was started in 1385 but was built mainly from 1550 to 1650 and decorated during the 18th century in the Rococo style. In March 1944 Allied air raids left the Residenz in shambles, so it is reconstructed. We wandered through the 90 lavishly decorated rooms of the museum, ogled the Wittelsbach crown jewels in the Treasury, and admired the opulence of the ornate Rococo Cuvillies Theater. The highlight, the spectacularly Bavarian Antiquarium, is the oldest room and was and is used as a festival banquet hall. Fun RS fact: The Wittelsbachs were the longest continuously ruling family in Europe but are no longer royalty, they have 'real' jobs now.
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Schatzkammer (Residenz Treasury)
I loved the treasury. So much bling!! And, such fine craftsmanship and exquisite detail! We spent quite a lot of time learning about all the different items and enjoying how truly beautiful they were. My favorites were the Palatine Crown, the reliquary of St. George and the Parure. The traveling service was also quite extraordinary. It had everything from a picnicking set to nail care.
The Palatine Crown c. 1370 is England's oldest, brought to Munich by an English princess who married a Wittelsbach duke. The crown of Kunigunde is associated with the saintly Bavarian queen who was crowned Empress of the Holy Roman Empire in 1014 in Rome. The lily-shaped crown of Henry II c 1270-1280 dates from Munich's roots. The last crown I can't find information about except to say it is old.
Bavarian Ruby and Spinel Parure commissioned in 1830 by Ludwig I for his new wife Princess Therese from the jeweller Caspar Rielander. The diadem has floral elements and is set with diamonds, rubies and spinels. The bracelets have the same floral, vine and leaf designs. The necklace and earrings finish off the set with rubies and spinels.
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The reliquary of St. George - An armored St. George sits atop a ruby studded ivory horse as it tramples an emerald green dragon, the representation of Protestantism. It positively sparkles with 2.000 precious stones and contained the supposed relics of St. George. The carved ivory face of the knight is of Wittelsbach Duke Wilhelm V who was a stout champion of the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
The royal regalia of the 19th century Wittelsbach kings - the crown, scepter, orb and sword that were given to the king during the coronation ceremony. The smaller pearl crown is for the queen. Bavarian Lover's Knot Tiara c1825. Traveling service for Kaiserin Marie Louise c1810.
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Asamkirche
After leaving the Residenz we had time to visit one more place before heading for dinner and we decided we wanted to see the over the top Rococo Asam Church. This tiny Church was built by the Asam brothers as a way to show off their work to possible future clients and is now a place of public worship. Rick tells you to approach the Church as a shopper of its' architectural features and not as a worshiper. Standing outside notice the foundation stones and starbursts on the door. Inside pay attention to the golden capitals and gilded garlands, the flat ceiling painted to look like a dome, the yellow glass that looks like alabaster, and the pilasters painted to look like marble. This church has a lot going on. Take your time absorbing all of its' beauty.
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things!
Munich is the only city on the tour I had been to before and I loved it just as much as I remember. Wandering the city at night taking pictures and enjoying the scene was fantastic! Our city guide, David, was funny and engaging and one of my favorites of the tour. The Residenz was so very Bavarian and I loved exploring it along with the amazing bling of the treasury!