Page 213 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Germany

SOUTHERN GERM AN Y  211

MUNICH

The capital of Bavaria, Munich (München) is sometimes called
“Germany’s secret capital”. Lying right at the heart of Europe,
the city rapidly overshadowed once powerful neighbours, such
as Ingolstadt, Augsburg and Nuremberg, to become southern
Germany’s main metropolis. With its vibrant cosmopolitan
atmosphere, fine buildings, museums and shops, it is one
of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

The citizens of Munich have been known But it is not only art that gives Munich its
for centuries for their love of the arts. unique charm. The country’s biggest folk
The masterpieces that were created here festival, the Oktoberfest, is held each year
during the Baroque and Rococo periods in Theresienwiese, where visitors to the
were equal to Italian and French works. town can join in the revelries or just sit and
In the 19th century, the town’s develop­ watch, ordering a plate of sauerkraut with
ment continued along Neo­Classical lines, sausages and washing it down with some
gaining for it the name of “Athens on Isar”. of the excellent Bavarian beer.
Just how appropriate the name is can be When planning a shopping trip to
seen when strolling along Ludwigstraße Munich visitors can be sure that its shops
or Königsplatz or visiting the Glyptothek, are equal to those of Paris and Milan, not
which houses Ludwig I’s collection of only in the breadth of their range but also
Greek and Roman sculptures. in terms of their prices. The town is also one
In the late 19th century, the Munich of Germany’s main centres of high­tech and
Academy of Fine Arts was amongst Europe’s media industries. Many TV stations and film
best art schools. Not many cities have as studios, as well as over 300 book and
wide a choice of world­class theatres, operas newspaper publishers, have their main
and museums as can be found here in Munich. offices in Munich.

The Neo-Gothic Rathaus in Marienplatz, Munich’s central square
Interior and ceiling of the Antiquarium Hall in the Residenz Museum

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