Marienplatz And The Altstadt Are A
“Must Do” In Munich
Altstadt and Marienplatz in Munich
Marienplatz is an easy walk from the Munich Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and easy to reach by public transportation.
The Altstadt is Munich’s historic “Old Town”, with Marienplatz at the center.
It is a large pedestrian area with old historic buildings, restaurants, cafes and shops.
Street performers entertain the crowds, but everyone's attention is immediately drawn to the show on the bell tower when it begins to chime.
Click here to see the Marienplatz live via webcam.
Neues Rathaus
The focal point of Marienplatz and the most photographed is the Neo-Gothic styled Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) built between 1868 and 1908). It is enormous, and one of the most ornate buildings I have ever seen.
The tall tower of the Neues Rathaus is where you will find the famous clock, The Glockenspiel.
Several times a day – 11 am and Noon year round, and additionally at 5pm from May to October - the carillon chimes and the mechanical figures do their thing in the bell tower depicting festivities that took place there.
To avoid the afternoon crowds, try to view the Glockenspiel at 11 am when it tends to be less crowded.
If you want to see the clock at eye level, go the the top floor of the Hugendubel book shop or get a table on the roof top terrace at the Cafe Glockenspiel.
You can also purchase tickets to the top of the tower for € 2. On a clear day, the view of the city from the observation tower is spectacular.
Looking at and photographing all the details and sculpture on the building is an activity in itself.
Whenever I am at Marienplatz, I have to make sure to find the Dragon climbing up the wall of the Neues Rathaus.
See if you can find it when you go!
Frauenkirche Munich
Just around the corner is Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), Munich's most recognizable landmark. It is an enormous cathedral and is a good example of medieval architecture.
The church is huge but simple in style. It can hold about 20,000 people, and Catholic services are held regularly. The interior of the cathedral is among the largest in southern Germany.
Construction of the cathedral dates back to 1468. The Frauenkirche was constructed from red brick in the late Gothic style. The twin onion dome topped towers were added in 1525. The cathedral suffered severe damage during World War II but has since been restored.
The towers are 325 ft high. Climbing to the top gives you a panorama of downtown Munich can't be beat. There are 86 steps winding up the circular tower to get to the elevator. It's quite a climb, but worth it.
The tombs of many members of the Wittelsbach dynasty are there, as are many dukes and bishops. It is also the final resting place of Duke Ludwig IV (1302-1347) who became Holy Roman Emperor.
It is an elaborate black marble tomb guarded by four armored (marble) knights.
Another interesting item inside the church is the ”Teufelstritt” or Devil's Footprint.
At the entrance is a black mark resembling a footprint with a small hooked tail at the heel.
According to legend, the devil challenged the architect of the Frauenkirche, Jörg von Halsbach, to build a nave without windows.
The architect accepted the challenge. When it was completed, he led the devil to the one spot in the bright church where the windows could not be seen. When the devil found out he was tricked, the church was already consecrated so he couldn't enter, but left a footprint at the entrance where he stomped his foot in a rage.
Entry in to Frauenkirche is free. You can also purchase tickets to the top of the Frauenkirche tower for € 2.
Altes Rathaus
The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built in 1474, is located on the east end of Marienplatz. It was destroyed several times by fire and bombs and was rebuilt in a plainer style after WWII.
It is often used for official and private functions and is not accessible to the public. But, located in the southern tower of the Altes Rathaus is the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum).
If you have children with you, they will like the miniature railroad and a variety of other toys, including lead toys, teddy bears, pretty dolls and doll's houses. Tickets are € 2.50.
As you can see, the Altstadt has lots to see and is a great way to start your visit to Munich. But, don't stop there! Your trip to Munich will be filled with lots of other fun and interesting things to do.
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