History of Residenz in Munich began in 15 century. Ludwig of Bavaria decided to extend the city and, thereby, former Duke's castle appeared (Alter Hof) in the depths of the Munich. It was the bad practice in the Middle Ages to have castle inside of the city because in the case of the siege it was very hard to escape from it.
In 1385, Stefan Third began to build new castle in the north-eastern part of the city. Later this fortress has been merged with other residences of Wittelsbach in Munich and got the name – Residenz.
Visit to the Residenz will take a few hours from you. Complex comprises three museums: Museum of Residenz, Treasury and National Opera. I advise you restrict themselves by visiting of first two museums. As for Opera it will be better to visit it during the evening performance.
Also don’t forget to take the audio guide before you enter. Residenz has a lot of things which once belonged to Wittelsbach and audio guide will make you excursion more interesting.
It makes sense to walk around the complex before you visit the museums. His current guise Residenz took in 17 century and this is a nice example of the Renaissance in Munich.
Wittelsbachs were the big fanciers of ancient Greece culture. They were collecting Greek masterpieces and in 1568 for their storage Albrecht Fifth built special building - Antiquarium. Today – is a one of the most impressing buildings of Residenz.
Antiquarium has more than 300 ancient sculptures and 1000 images of cities and castles of Bavaria. But before you enter to the Antiquarium you will pass through the artificial mainsail adorned by the fountain of Perseus.
Another astonishing part of the Residenz – is Gallery of Ancestors where you can see portraits of the members Wittelsbach dynasty.
Almost every Bavarian ruler was adding something new to the complex. Last modifications of the Residenz were done in 1826 when King Ludwig First joined new royal palace to the complex.
