Landshut

Like a Munich Landshut (originates from the 13 century) lies on the banks of the Isar River. City stretches between two main historical sights: Abbey of Seligenthal and the Trausnits castle.

Altstadt and Neustadt are central squares of the Landshut. Here you can find many shops, cafes and restaurants. Jesuitenkirche (or Church of St Ignaz) which lies in the way out of Neudstadt originates from the beginning of the 17 century. In its interior you can see magnificent Baroque altar which was set here in 1663.

Photos It's a not a festival. It's a ordinary wedding :) in the Landshut „Landshuter Hochzeit 08“. Lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 3.0 über Wikimedia Commons

Martinskirche church is interested thanks to the fact that three architects works on it in the one moment. Another interesting fact about this church is that its bell tower considered to be the longest in the world. You can lift to the top of the tower and enjoy the beautiful view of the Landshut below.

Photo No, I understood that it's a festival dedicated to the wedding „Landshuter hochzeit 5“ von Ludwig Gruber ( Lou.gruber ) - Eigenes Werk. Lizenziert unter Gemeinfrei über Wikimedia Commons

One of the most beautiful buildings of the Landshut is a Stadtresidenz (Residence) which located at Altstadt 79 Stadtresidenz consist from the two adjacent buildings. One of them is Deutscher Bau which originates from the middle of the 16 century and the Italienischer Bau which is also dating from the 16 century. Btw, Stadtresidenz is a first palace which was built in the Renaissance style in Germany.

Stadtresidenz has a lavishly decorated façade with the coat of arms of the King Ludwig the Ten of Bavaria. In its interior visitor can see reception hall designed in the Renaissance style and other rooms with frescos of the 16 century.

Last one photo from the Landshut wedding „LandshuterHochzeit2005-08“ von Pietro Foglietti (Wiki User Id: Leoperutz) - Eigenes Werk. Lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 3.0 über Wikimedia Commons

Schleißheim Palace

This palace was contrived by King Maximilian Emanuel as the Versailles rival. The construction of Schleißheim Palace started in 1701 under the supervising of the Italian architect Enrico Zucalli.

Soon after the beginning construction has been interrupted (after the war between Austria and Bavaria) and resumed in 1717 under the supervising of Joseph Effner.

Photo "Schlosspark Oberschleißheim, Jagdschloss Lustheim (8674625953)" by Heribert Pohl --- Thanks for half a million clicks! from Germering bei München, Bayern - Schlosspark Oberschleißheim, Jagtschloss Lustheim. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Common

"Germany-Oberschleissheim Castle 03" by I, Rado Bahna. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Fürstenfeldbruck

The oldest building in the Fürstenfeldbruck is a former abbey which is located on the road to the Augsburg. This abbey was founded in the 13 century and rebuilt by designs of Italian architect Giovanni Antonio Viscardi who transformed it into the largest Baroque church in Bavaria.

Another notable building in the Fürstenfeldbruck is church of Mariae-Himmelfahrtskirche which lavishly decorated interior. Today this church houses a small museum.

Photo "Hauptstr. 4 Altes Rathaus Fuerstenfeldbruck-1" by Rufus46 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

As usual, you can find many old houses in the center of the Fürstenfeldbruck. Among them there is an Old Town Hold which has been refurbished at the end of the 19 century.

Photo "Schoengeisinger Str. 18 Fuerstenfeldbruck-1" by Rufus46 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Kloster Indersdorf

This abbey originates from the 11 century. It was founded by the Augustinian monks on the banks of the Glonn River. Of course almost nothing is left from the original building, only a few vestiges of the 11th century basilica can been seen as a part of the new church.

In the 18 century Kloster Indersdorf has been rebuilt in the Rococo style by designs of the Italian architect Antonio Riva.

Photo „Markt Indersdorf - Kloster - Panorama“ von Guido Radig - Eigenes Werk. Lizenziert unter CC BY 3.0 über Wikimedia Commons

Inside of the church you can see such art works as the paintings of scenes of the life of the Saint Augustine which were completed in the middle of the 18 century.

Photo „Markt Indersdorf Orgel“ von Mtag - Eigenes Werk. Lizenziert unter CC0 über Wikimedia Commons

Erding

The city of Erding (Germany) located at the banks of two rivers: Fehlbach and Sempt which are meeting at south part of the city.

Most interesting streets of the Eridng (where you can find a lot of historical buildings) are Landshuterstraße and Lange Zeile. Gothic church Johanneskirche which originates from the 14th century stands at the west end of Schrannenplatz. You will easily find this church by its unusual layout. Inside of its interior most interesting exhibit is figure of Christ by Hans Leinberger which was done in 1525.

Erding . Schöner Turm. Photo provided by the Africaspotter under CC BY 3.0 license

Another Gothic sight of the Erding is Old Town Gates which is located on the opposite side of Landshuterstraße. This gates also known as the Schöner Turm. Gates are decorated by the Baroque Dome which makes it as the one of the most beautiful medieval Gates in Germany.

The former residence of the Erding’s rulers also located at the Landshuterstraße. The palace has been built in 1648. You can pass inside of the building and see how aristocracy lived few centuries ago.

In front of the palace there are Hospital Church of the Holy Spirit which originates from the 14th century and Frauenkirche church.

Erding . Rathaus. Photo provided by the Rufus46 under CC BY 3.0 license

Ingolstadt

The city of Ingolstadt is known as the city where has been founded first Bavaria’s university. It happened in 1472 by edict of King Ludwig the Rich. During the Thirty Year’s War Ingolstadt was the well-fortified town and endured few besieged of different armies.

It was damaged during the War II but short after the end of was Ingolstadt has been restored. Today Ingolstadt – is a big industrial center of the Germany. For example, here is located Audi factory. But city is also known for its medieval architecture and other cultural monuments.

The church Asamkirche Maria de Victoria is a work of Asam brothers. Also inside the church you can see famous monstrance by Johannes Zeckl which depicts the victory over the Turks in the battle of Lepanto.

Ingolstadt. City center. Photo provided by the Harald Helmlechner under CC BY 3.0 license

As I already mentioned one of the main sights of the Ingolstadt are the city’s fortifications which mainly were built in the 14th century. One of the best examples of the fortified architecture is a Kreuztor gates which survived from the 14th century.

But not all fortifications are dated from the 14th century. Some of them were built in 19 century according to the new requirements for such kind of buildings. The best preserved fortification of those times is the so-called Reduit Tilly redoubt which you can find on the bank of the Danube River.

Inside of the Liebfrauenmьnster church which originates from the 15th century you can see the altar which has been completed in 1572 and decorated by the paintings of Hans Mielich. Other interesting things of the church - are the Gothic stained glasses.

Ingolstadt. New Castle. Photo provided by the Helmlechner under CC BY 3.0 license

One of the most interesting buildings in Ingolstadt – is an Alte Anatomie which was built in the 1723. Initially here was located city’s School of Medicine and today it house hosts the Museum of medical history. Very interesting museum with a lot of nice exhibits.

Ingolstadt has a few castles. So-called Neues Schloss (New Castle) originates from the first half of the 15th century and today this former military stronghold has been converted to the Museum of Bavarian Army.

Another castle of Ingolstadt, which stands on the southwestern part of the city, originates from 1255. Today this castle hosts the city’s library but until the New Castle was erected it served as the bishop’s residence.

The city’s Town Hall has been built in 1882 in the Neo Renaissance style. Its design has been modeled by the Gabriel von Seidl while the sculptures on the building’s façade it’s work of Lorenz Gedon.

The Pfeifturn church has been finished at the end of the 15th century. Nearby you can find old hospital where from 1472 to 1800 has been hosted the city’s University.

Ingolstadt. Photo provided by the Franconia under CC BY 3.0 license

Ingolstadt. Photo provided by the Rufus46 under CC BY 3.0 license

Freising

For centuries Freising was the residence of the Munich bishops. So it’s not surprising that the one of the main sights of the Freising is city’s Cathedral which stands on the hill and dominates over the city’s center.

Cathedral of the Freising has been built in 13 century and it’s a magnificent example of the Gothic style in Germany. In the 15 century to the main structure were added the cloisters and two centuries after Asar brothers changed a little bit its design.

Inside of Cathedral you will find a lot of masterpieces. But one of them will probably take most of your attention. It’s Pieta by Erasmus Grasser which has been completed in 1492.

Another interesting place in interior is Romanesque crypt with columns decorated with symbols to counteract with devil.

Freising. City center. Photo provided by the Gerwin Sturm under CC BY 3.0 license

Through Cathedral’s cloister you can pass into the library and Benediktuskapelle – nice chapel which originates from 1345.

In front of Cathedral you can see the small Johanniskirche which is adjoined to the bishop’s residence. In this church you can visit wonderful cloister which has been built in the Renaissance times. Another interesting sight of the Freising is a largest in Germany museum of religious arts. You can find this museum not far from the Cathedral.

Freising. Andreasbrunnen. Photo provided by the vuxi under CC BY 3.0 license

St Peter and Paul Church has been designed by Italian architect Giovanni Antonio Viscardi. Inside of this church there are beautiful paintings paintings by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.

Another interesting building of Freising is Town Hall which dates from the beginning of the 20 century. And of course don’t miss the oldest working brewery in the world which is located at the Weihenstephan Street. This brewery has been founded in 1040 and still is working. Incredibly.

To recap this little survey I want to mention about the old Benedictine monastery which today hosts some faculties of the Munich’s University.

Inside of Freising Cathedral. Photo provided by the Richard Huber under CC BY 3.0 license

Centert of the Freising. Photo provided by the Violatan under CC BY 3.0 license

Scheyern

The history of Scheyern (located near the Pfaffenhofen) related with medieval abbey which grown around the estate of Scheyern family.

In some period of the Scheyern’s history abbey was abandoned by monks but in the 1837 they came back after invitation of king Ludwig I.

Scheyern. Abbey. Photo provided by the Meep under CC BY 3.0 license

Its own guise main church of the abbey took in the 18 century. Inside of the church you can see Baroque altar with Byzantine relic of the True Cross. I don’t know exactly how the abbey managed to receive this relic but I suppose that it was delivered into the abbey during the Crusades era.

Scheyern. Abbey. Interior. Photo provided by the Christian.bischof under CC BY 3.0 license

Pfaffenhofen

This small historical town lies at the banks of the Ilm River. Like many others towns in Germany, Pfaffenhofen preserved its fortifications and has four medieval city gates through which you can enter to the city.

The focal point of the Pfaffenhofen is a Gothic Johann Baptist Kirche which stands next to the City Hall. Another notable sight of the city is a tall tower which soars to the heavens near the church.

Pfaffenhofen. City hall. Photo provided by the Eppasandas under CC BY 3.0 license

In the city’s museum which is located in the Mesnerhaus (originates from 1786) you can see nice art’s collection wit artifacts are dating from the 16th century.

Pfaffenhofen. City center. Photo provided by the Philipp Hayer under CC BY 3.0 license

Pfaffenhofen. City center. Photo provided by the Philipp Hayer under CC BY 3.0 license

Pfaffenhofen. Interior of Johann Baptist Church. Photo provided by the FlorianR1991 under CC BY 3.0 license

Beilngries

Small historical town of Beilngries is well-known for its medieval walls which surround the city. The focal point of the city is a scenic Hauptstraße where stands Kaiserbeckhaus – 16th-century building which could be easy noticeable by its upper storey with corbels.

Another noticeable building in the Beilngries – is a Neo-Baroque Stadtpfarrkirche which was designed by Wilhelm Spannagl.

Beilngries. City center. Photo provided by the Bayreuth2009 under CC BY 3.0 license

If you like military fortifications you will be pleased by the vestiges of medieval castle which stands on the top of the hill. You can take in ruins of the two towers and castle’s gates. In the 18 century castle served as the hunting house for the Beilngries’ bishop so today it rather the luxury palace then gloomy castle.

Beilngries. Castle. Photo provided by the DALIBRI under CC BY 3.0 license

Beilngries. Interior of St Vitas Church. Photo provided by the DALIBRI under CC BY 3.0 license

Eichstätt

Old city of Eichstätt is mostly known by the works of Maurizio Pedetti and Gabriel de Gabrieli, great architects which lived and worked here at the beginning of the 18 century. Of course Eichstätt is older city. According to the chronicles, it originates from the 8 century and from those times it known as the important religion center.

The central place of the city – is a Marktplatz – old trade square which stands in the so-called burghers’ district. Here you can find old Town hall of the Eichstätt which was built in the middle of the 15 century. Of course in the first part of the 19 century it was refurbished and renovated.

Others key squares of the city - are Domplatz, Residenzplats and Leonrodplatz.

Eichstätt. Marketplace. Photo provided by the Pedelecs under CC BY 3.0 license

Among them especially wonderful - Residenzplatz which is treated as one of the loveliest squares in Germany. Main trait of this square is that it has uneven shape what is very untypically for Germany. At the Leonrodplatz you can find old Jesuit church.

You easily discern Eichstätt’s cathedral by its Baroque façade and twin Romanesque towers which flank its nave. City’s cathedral is a real mix of different styles of architecture with a big set of art pieces inside. Among the many works of Cathedral don’t miss the statue of St Willibald who was the first bishop of Eichstätt. It’s work of Loy Hering who completed the statue in 1514.

Eichstätt. Cityhall. Photo provided by the WaldiWuff under CC BY 3.0 license

Another nice church in Eichstätt is a Schutzengelkirche – former Jesuits’ church which originates from the beginning of the 17th century. This church has been destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and renovated in 1660. Like others Jesuits’ church across the Europe it has lavishly adorned interior.

In additional to the sacral monuments Eichstätt has few civil sights. For example, former summer residence of Eichstätt’ bishop which has been built in the middle of the 18 century. Today this building hosts Catholic University while its galleries occupied by the commercial offices. Next to the residence you can find the city’s park which descents to the Altmühl River.

The city’s castle Willibaldsburg stands on a hill at the southwest part of the Eichstätt. It’s very hard to reach the castle by walk. To get there you will have to overcome big tunnel and it definitely will be easier if you rent the car.

Willibaldsburg preserved its 17th century fortifications. During the long period of the history castle was the main residence of Eichstätt’ bishops and some parts of its walls consist the ruins of first residence which has been built in the 16 century.

Today castle hosts a few city museums among which I want to distinguish the Museum of Prehistory.

If you have a little more time try to find Walburgskirche which has been built in 9 century. Of course during its existence church has been rebuilt and it took its current guise in 1629-31. The main relic of the church is a St Walburg tomb. Also note the Gothic altar of the church and its chapel which is decorated by wonderful murals.

Eichstätt. Willibaldsburg. Photo provided by the Joe MiGo under CC BY 3.0 license

Odeonsplatz

Odeonsplatz in Munich originates from the beginning of 19 century when Maximilian I Joseph agreed with plans of his son and heir (Ludwig I) to arrange this area. The idea was to make from Odeonsplatz central entrance to the city.

The Odeonsplatz inherited its name from the concert hall “Odeon”. In 1862 on this square was raised statue of the King Ludwig I designed by Max Widmann.

Munich. Odeonsplatz. statue of the King Ludwig I Photo provided by the Poco a poco under CC BY 3.0 license

Feldherrnhalle

Feldherrnhalle (or as it also called the Field Marshals’ Hall) stands on the edge between old and new city in Munich on the site of medieval tower which has been demolished in the 19 century.

This building has been raised to commemorate all heroes in Bavaria. You can see the statues of Count Tilly who was successful general in Thirty Years’ War and of Count von Wrede who was leading Bavarian troops in Napoleonic era.

Photo. Munich Feldherrnhalle

Also Feldherrnhalle has small memorial dedicated to the Bavarian army designed by Ferdinand von Miller the Younger.

Feldherrnhalle has been designed by Friedrich von Gärtner who modeled it after the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. The construction of Feldherrnhalle has been finished in 1844. In 1906 its staircase has been adorned by statues of lions.

Theatinerkirche Munich

This wonderful Baroque church has been built in 17th century by Elector Ferdinand to celebrate the birth of his son. The architect of the Theatinerkirche was Antonio Barelli from Bologna who conceived to build most decorated church in Munich.

Construction of the church began in 1663. Barelli chose Sant’ Andrea della Valle in Rome as prototype for its design. Also Theatinerkirche was planned as the court church for the Wittelsbach dynasty.

Theatinerkirche in Munich

Enrico Zucalli became a new architect in 1675 and under his leadership dome and two twin towers (which were absent in the initial design) of the façade were completed. He also designed the interior of Theatinerkirche.

Construction of the church lasted about the century and has been finished in 1765 under the supervising of Cuvilliés.

Theatinerkirche brought baroque elements into the cityscape. Its façade adorned by sculptures of famous Bavarian rulers and their coats of arms. Inside of the Theatinerkirche you can see stucco work and the statues which portray allegorical figures.

In the church’s crypt there are tombs of Bavarian kings. For example, the shrine of the Theatinerkirche founder – Ferdinand.

Interior of Theatinerkirche. Photo provided by the Harro52 under CC BY 3.0 license

Residenz Munich

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.

Renaissance facade of the 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.

Courtyard

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.

fountain of Perseus

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.

Antiquarium

rooms inside of the palace

gallery of ancestors

Cologne Cathedral

In 13 century the citizens of Cologne faced with task of new cathedral construction. These were times of flowering for the city and Cologne’s authorities decided to build largest Cathedral in Germany.

But were other circumstances which had instigated the Cologne’s authorities to start this construction. Archbishop of Cologne and the commander of the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa - Reynald von Dassel – got a precious gift, the remains of the Three Magi or Three Kings, from the hands of Emperor. By that Barbarossa thanked Dassel for his help in the Italian Campaign.

Facade of Cathedral

Before these remains were kept in the Milan. In 1164 they were solemnly delivered to Cologne.

For storage these relics Cologne’s masters created special sarcophagus from the gold, silver and ivory which is now treated as one of the most beautiful medieval masterpiece.

Thanks to these relics Cologne became very important center of Christianity and this status required to have a new more outstanding Cathedral.

Main Entrance

15 August 1248 Archbishop of Cologne Konrad von Hohshtaden laid first stone of Cathedral and thereby started the longest construction in European history – final works were finished only in 1880.

Cathedral’s choir has been consecrated in 1322. Its length – 41 meters, width – 45 and height 43. The height of stained-glass windows in Cathedral – 17 meters.

Works under the south tower lasted until 1450 and after that all works were stopped. After that Cologne Cathedral stood unfinished until the middle of 19 century. It even seemed that Cathedral will never be completed.

New impulse of construction has been given by Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm who ordered finish Cathedral according to initial design. King themselves laid first stone in 1842 to commemorate resuming of the construction.

All works were finished in 1863. And 15 October in the presence of Emperor William First were conducted celebrations and solemn opening of Cathedral.

Thanks to its enormous stain-glass windows Cologne Cathedral sometimes called as “Glass Cathedral”. The total square of windows in Cathedral – 10 000 square meters. Most of them are dating 13-15 centuries.

Foremost, let me point to the windows from the so-called “king cycle” which portray 48 Holy Kings. This masterpiece has been created in 1300 thanks to the support of the rich families of the Cologne.

In 1848, to commemorate 600 years anniversary of Cathedral, Bavarian King Ludwig First presented to the Cathedral so-called Bavarian Stained Glass which you can see in south part of the temple.

Sarcophagus of the Three Kings

Another masterpiece inside of Cathedral

Stain-glass windows