DK Travel : Munich : Around Marienplatz

Around Marienplatz

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Henry the Lion transformed Marienplatz into the centre of Munich – and it remains the heart of the city today. This is where the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) stands, major public transit lines meet, and locals and visitors alike stroll past street entertainers, or sit at the restaurant and café patios lining the square. A pedestrian zone begins at the western end of the square; the elegant Weinstraße and Theatinerstraße lead off from the north; toward the east are the Isartor and Maximilianstraße, and to the south the Viktualienmarkt.
The Schrannenhalle was once located on the southern end of the Viktualienmarkt. It was saved and is currently being reconstructed.

Top 10 Sights

1. Marienplatz

Dominated by the Neues Rathaus, the square features a golden statue of the Virgin Mary from 1590, and the 19th-century Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain). On Ash Wednesday, the mayor and town councillors wash their wallets there so that the city’s coffers will always be full.
2. Neues Rathaus

Built between 1867 and 1908, the Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) is topped by the Münchner Kindl (Munich Child), the city’s symbol. At 11am, noon, and, from May to October, also at 5pm, people gather on Marienplatz to enjoy the town hall’s famous Glockenspiel – a chiming clock with dancing figures.
3. Altes Rathaus

Now home to a toy museum, the Gothic Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) of 1474 has been rebuilt often, but the hall on the ground floor and the tower, once a city gate, are original.
4. Pedestrian Zone

Munich’s most popular traffic-free shopping zone begins at the western end of the square and stretches to Karlsplatz. Be sure to see the late Renaissance Michaelskirche.
5. Peterskirche

At the highest point of the Old Town stands the 13th-century St Peter’s, Munich’s oldest parish church. Its tower, affectionately called Old Peter, commands a fine view.
6. Frauenkirche

Topped by onion domes, the Frauenkirche is Munich’s best-known symbol. Built in record time (1468–88), the church is the largest Gothic basilica in southern Germany. Highlights include choir figures by Erasmus Grasser and the tomb of Ludwig IV of Bavaria.
7. Asamkirche

Bequeathed to the city by the Asam brothers, this church (1733–46) is a jewel of the late Baroque – a soaring natural stone façade on the outside and an exquisitely ornamented grotto on the inside. Egid Quirin Asam paid for the church, which was built near his home.
8. Viktualienmarkt

Since 1807, this colourful food market has thrived here. A stroll past the 140 market stalls is a treat not to be missed.
9. Feldherrnhalle

Modelled on Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, Friedrich von Gärtner built the Feldherrnhalle in 1844 as a monument to Bavaria’s military heroes. It marks the boundary between Old Town and Schwabing.
10. Theatinerkirche

Munich’s “Italian mile” begins with the Theatinerkirche (1663–1768) – an exuberant blend of large Baroque domes, flowing volutes, a gigantic cupola, and Rococo façades.

Practical Information

There are numerous cafés and restaurants on and around Marienplatz. For excellent views visit the Neues Rathaus tower, the Peterskirche tower, or the south tower of the Frauenkirche. U3/U6: Marienplatz, all S-Bahns Neues Rathaus, Marienplatz 8 Tower: Open 8am–7pm Mon–Fri, 10am–7pm Sat, Sun & hols www.rathausmuenchen.de Frauenkirche, Frauenplatz 1 Tower (South tower, West Entrance), there are a few stairs to the elevator Tower: Open Apr–Oct: 10am–5pm Mon–Sat Adm Peterskirche, Rindermarkt 1 Tower: Open 9am–7pm Mon–Sat, 10am–6pm Sun & hols; In summer open to 7pm depending on the weather Adm Visitors cannot view churches during church services