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| City Guide - Munich - City Overview | ||
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City Overview Located to the north of the Bavarian Alps on the River Isar, Munich (München) is a city that combines proud provincialism with international glamour. Founded in 1158 by Duke Henry the Lion, within a century it had become the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty, who ruled the duchy, electorate and kingdom of Bavaria until the end of World War I. Their influence is evident in the concentration of grand Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and neo-classical architecture adorning Munich's streets. Perhaps most importantly, the Wittelsbach's patronage of the arts and extensive art collections provided the basis for Munich's world-class museums and galleries. The city acquired its name München - 'home of the monks' from its numerous monasteries. These have played an important role in the history of Munich, not least by starting the brewing traditions for which the city is renowned worldwide. Successive rulers, detecting a profitable source of tax revenue, actively encouraged beer production as a means both of raising money and keeping the populace happy at the same time. There are currently six breweries in the city: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten. Beer quality is still based on the Reinheitsgebot (Purity Edict), introduced by the Bavarian Duke Wilhelm IV in 1516, that forbids the use of anything other than the core ingredients of barley, hops and water in the brewing process. Drinking a foaming Stein of beer in one of the city's beer halls is an essential part of the Munich experience. The period between the wars represents the low point in Munich's history and tends to be glossed over by tourist brochures. The city was the cradle of the Nazi movement after World War I and was the scene of Hitler's first attempt to seize power - the infamous 'Beer Hall Putsch' on 8 November 1923. Moreover, in 1938, the treaty that surrendered a large portion of Czechoslovakia to the Nazis was signed in Munich by Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy; an act of appeasement which started the slide towards World War II. The city suffered intensive bomb damage during Allied air raids at the end of the war, but the economic success of the post-war years has supported a comprehensive rebuilding and restoration programme making the city the most popular tourist destination in Germany. The citizens of Munich demonstrate a cosmopolitan refinement as well as genuine passion for the region's many traditions and tourists flock to the city for the world famous Oktoberfest to indulge in an orgy of beer and revellery. The stereotypical images of lederhosen-clad Bavarians quaffing vast portions of beer and sausage might apply, but the city has certainly more to offer than just light entertainment. Warm summers accommodating lovely garden restaurants and open-air stages such as snowy winters with romantic Christmas markets make Munich a place to visit all year round. |
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