Neues Rathaus, Munich. (For New read 1867)

As you come up out of the Marienplatz Metro station you are stopped in your tracks with the jaw dropping sight of the Neuses Rathous, the New Town Hall. Collette was expecting it, having been forewarned by research, and she says I didn’t disappoint.

With typical German precision and organisation, getting around Munich by public transport is very simple. We paid 10 E each for a day pass on everything which is needed because it is a bit spread out. Day 1 was checking out the place and getting how the system works plus a few sights. It turned out to be a huge day.

The Rathaus has a performing clock that puts on a show 3 times per day. We were lucky to be there for the 11am session. It goes for about 20 minutes and is very impressive.

The towers of the Munich Cathedral. To be climbed tomorrow.

Before looking at the cathedral we indulged in a coffee and pretzel. The guy behind the bar was pouring some beers straight from a wooden keg which I had to try with my coffee. It was up there with the best beer I have ever tasted.

The very proud barman with his wooden keg.

The Munich Cathedral. Construction started in 1468 and continued till 1525. During the later stages of WW2 the church, along with 90% of Munich, was extensively destroyed. Hence the combination of restored as original, restored to look original, and modern inside the church. Final restoration took until 1994.

You really have to admire the German spirit and fortitude to rebuild so much so faithfully. We have seen it extensively particularly in Dresden but also Berlin and Hamburg and now Munich. It could not have been easy.

Some of the more modern.

The “Devil’s Footstep”.

Under the main altar.

Some original bricks used in the re construction after the fire bombing.

Walking through Marienplatz and past the Rathaus is a common event in the old town. I think I took a new photo every single time.

Next was the open air market where all sorts of produce and a huge amount of beer is available.

Fresh hops.

Raffia Palm Fruits from the Raffia Palm. Apparently parts can be eaten.

A few dried mushrooms.

And some chilis.

Collette contemplating how to eat a huge pickle. It was a messy affair.

St Peters Church. There are just so many and we have seen a few this trip. Bit over churches but they keep coming.

Another one. Church of the Holy Spirit. They have started to blend.

We had to see the Hofbrauhaus, one of Munich’s oldest beer halls dating back to 1589. It is state owned and part of the State Brewery in Munich. It also has a massive beer hall at Octoberfest.

Great atmosphere, good beer, good music, good food. We came back for dinner.

The National Theatre.

The Munich Residenz is the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria. It is the largest city palace in Germany and is a massive complex taking hours to visit. First buildings on the site were erected in 1385 and it has grown consistently since.

The degree of opulence here is breathtaking. We started by touring the palace rooms which took 2 hours alone and we were quick. The next day we visited the Treasury which holds room after room of jewel encrusted baubles. It really is over the top and amazing to see.

Part of the very early palace.

China from China, all made to order.

This room was built to show off a collection of statues. It is massive and extreme. In the later years it was used as a dining hall.

It was a big tour and a big beer was definitely needed afterwards.

I couldn’t finish the day without an early evening photo of the Rathous.

Tomorrow we tackle Octoberfest, one of the biggest surprises of the trip.

David & Collette