Residenz Munich is a historical administrative palace, used by the Bavarian dukes, prince-electors, and kings from 1508-1918.
The palace has its origins on ‘Neuveste‘ fortress at this same location…
….which was extended and rebuilt over centuries to the current magnificent palatial complex, with buildings and gardens extending in all directions.
As the city’s most impressive palace, Residenz became a residential and administrative palace for the regions’ rulers, from 1508-1918.
PHOTO: Residenz facade on the Residenzstrasse side, where you can find, for example, the main entrance to the Residenz museum.
PHOTO: The palatial complex was built over centuries from 1385, and has several styles of architecture, including Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. The picture is from the northern, Hofgarten, side, where a 964 m2 (10,376 sq.ft) Herkulessaal (‘Hercules hall’) is located, a popular concert venue.
PHOTO: Residenzstrasse side of the palace has four famous lion statues…with several legends attached to them. One legend says that touching a lion (only one!) on its shield (seen on the picture as a brighter spot) brings good luck.
PHOTO: Residenzstrasse side of the palace has richly decorated entrances, with latin texts above the entrance stating: “Justitia” and “Prudentia“…references to the cardinal virtues of “Justice” ja “Prudency”, fitting for this historical place of administration and law.
PHOTO: There are several magnificent inner courtyards at Residenz finest of which is the pictured Kaiserhof (Emperor’s Court). ‘Kaiserhof‘ name comes from courtyard historically having stairs up to ‘Kaisersaal‘, which, since 17th century, was the place for royal events.
PHOTO: Allerheiligen-Hofkirche, the Residenz church, was built from 1826-1837, from plans by Leo von Klenze, King Ludwig I’s court architect.
PHOTO: The Residenz’ gardens, Hofgarten, were built from 1613. Hofgarten highlights include the (pictured) Diana temple, added to the gardens in 1615, as designed by Heinrich Schön elder. The temple has a Tellus Bavarica statue on top, symbolizing Bavarian riches.
PHOTO: As Residenz Munich was an administrative palace until 1918, there are many statues for former rulers in the vicinity…including pictured monument for King Ludwig I, located next to the (Bavarian) ministries of finance and domestic affairs.
PHOTO: Next to the ministry of domestic affairs, at Wittelsbacherplatz, there’s a monument portraying Prince-Elector Maximilian I. Maximilian I was in power during the important years from 1597-1651, a period that included the Thirty Years War.
As a Munich tourist attraction, Residenz offers beautiful architecture and rich decorations and artworks, from periods from Renaissance to Neoclassical era.
The palace is also an example of the unique style and ambition that for centuries characterized Bavaria’s ruling dynasty, the Wittelsbachs.
Today, Residenz is owned and operated by the German state, and it contains several museums and other highlights. such as…
- Residenz palace museum,
- Royal Treasure Room museum,
- Cuvilliés-theater, and
- Allerheiligen-Hofkirche church.
Of the sections in the palace complex, especially worth checking out is the Residenz Museum.
The Residenz museum is the best way to get to know this Wittelsbach palace, which has only been open to the public since 1920.
Residenz Munich
Address: Residenzstrasse 1, 80333 München, Germany
Official website: Residenz-Muenchen.de
- private residences and
- administrative offices to
- ceremonial rooms and
- chapels.
All which were historically exclusively used by the Wittelsbachs.