500 Years of Munich Architecture

Where a Romanesque chapel once stood, the almost 100-meter-high Gothic Frauenkirche now rises—the most iconic church in Munich. We’ll also take time to explore its impressive interior.

The Renaissance church is not dedicated to the Archangel Michael by chance. It tells a rich story of the Reformation, the salt trade, and the Wittelsbach rulers of Bavaria.

Thanks to the vision of a remarkable woman, Munich was spared destruction in the 18th century. How exactly? Let’s find out as we explore the Baroque Trinity Church. Along the way, we’ll compare elements of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Munich’s first Rococo palace is a must-see and is located right next to the Residenz—the largest palace in Germany’s city center.

Greece in Munich: King Max I Joseph had a Greek temple of music built. Five of Richard Wagner’s works premiered in this neoclassical masterpiece—including Tristan and Isolde.

King Maximilian II, grandson of Bavaria’s first king, commissioned this magnificent boulevard, which leads to the Isar River. The “Maximilian style” is a unique form of historicism that combines elements of the Renaissance and Gothic styles with floral motifs and arcades.

Disguised as a large Catholic church, this building is actually Munich’s third Protestant church. Until 1801, Protestants in Munich were not even allowed to become citizens.

This Art Nouveau bridge leads us to Munich’s most beautiful riverside swimming spot on the Isar. Nestled among trees and stretching over the water, the bridge reflects key elements of Art Nouveau—inspired by nature, climbing plants, water (symbolizing the subconscious), and animals.

Two superlatives side by side: When it opened, this Art Nouveau bathhouse was the largest in the world. Right next to it, we see what is probably the longest tandem bicycle in the world—a street art masterpiece by the artist Miriam Frank.

Nestled among ancient chestnut trees on the high bank of the Isar along the Auermühlbach stream, the Sudeten German Museum is a modern architectural masterpiece with a well-conceived design.

In good weather, we will end your tour at the Dachgarten, Munich’s coolest rooftop bar. From here, we can enjoy the famous 18th-century Canaletto view with a perfect view of the towers of the Frauenkirche—your starting point. It is the ideal place to relax after the tour, surrounded by palm trees, with drinks and food.