Europe Day 2 (PART 1): Munich, GERMANY

Monday, 18 Dec 2006

Early start today. We had an orientation tour of Munich, capital of Bavaria featuring Nymphenburg Palace. Guess what? It was SNOWING!! YES, SNOWING!!!

Nymphenburg palace

Nymphenburg palace is a Baroque palace in Munich, commissioned in 1664 by the electoral couple Ferdinand Maria and Henriette Adelaide of Savoy to celebrate the birth of their son, Maximilian II Emanuel. The palace was the summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria.

Streets in Munich

Konigsplatz (King’s Square)

The plans for the Konigsplatz were drawn up by Leo von Klenze in 1812 in anticipation of Munich's expansion which took 50 years to build. It was Hitler’s favourite parade ground. Today however, the area around Konigsplatz is today the home to the Kunstareal, Munich's gallery and museum quarter. Concerts of top artists like Dido and Paul McCartney also have been held here.

Siegestor

Siegestor, completed in 1852 is a monument and reminder to peace. Sitting on the top of the arch is a statue of Bavaria with a lion-quadriga.

Eternal flame monument

This monument with eternal flame (yes, real flame burning 24-7 365 days!) is a memorial to all victims of National Socialism(NAZI).

Marienplatz

We're back to Marienplatz again, this time in our tour group. Although we had already explored here ourselves yesterday, we're thrilled to be back here. It looks definitely different and nicer with the snow flakes........

Lion is the symbol of Bavaria

Peterskirche (St. Peter’s Church)

The oldest church in Munich, known locally as Old Peter. It was burned down completely in 1327, was restored and extended with many side buildings and the bell tower, then destroyed again in World War II.

On a good day, it is worth climbing the 300 steps to the top to get a good view of the city. We didn’t do it that day, it was kinda foggy and misty so don’t think we could see much anyway.

Allianz Arena

A soccer stadium in the north of Munich. 2006 FIFA World Cup was held here.

A lunch stop while we're on our way to Prague.....

Prague, we're coming to see you!

Europe Day 1: The city of Oktoberfest - Munich, GERMANY

Sunday, 17 Dec 2006

We arrived into Munich Franz Josef Strauss International Airport at 08:30. Weather was overcast and reasonably cold.

We met our Globus tour director Briggete and the bus driver Claudio on arrival. We were then taken to our hotel.

We had the whole day at leisure so wasted no time, we decided to explore the city.

Gasteig

The first landmark (the brown building in the background) we saw coming out of our hotel. Gasteig is a cultural centre which hosts the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra.

Isar river

Isar river, 295km, is the fifth largest river in Bavaria, Germany. The name Isar appears to be derived from the Celtic word Isaria (meaning torrential).

Isartor (Isar Gate)

The Isartor was built in 1337 comprising a tall main tower, two front towers and a bailey. It was also belongs to the medieval fortifications erected under Ludwig the Bavarian.

Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz

You'll find yourself surrounded by a variety of stalls selling local food, mulled wine, sweets, cakes, crafts, crafts and beautiful Christmas decors!!

Fischbrunnen (Fish Fountain). The famous Fish Market was once held here, thus the name.

Neues Rathaus (The New Town Hall)

The Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus was built in 19th century and it is the building dominating the Marienplatz. At the centre of the building is the famous Glockenspiel (carillon), the greenish part that contains interesting figures. These figures dance 3 times a day at 11:00, 12:00 and 17:00 hrs in celebrating two history events. One section of figures performs the Schlaffertanz (cooper’s dance) to commemorate the end of the plague in 1517. The other part re-enacting a famous tournament that was held in Marienplatz for the royal weddings in 1568.

In front of the New Town Hall is a golden Virgin Mary statue. The half moon under Her feet symbolizing the fall of the Turks who occupied Munich.

Altes Rathaus (The Old Town Hall)

The Old Town Hall which is located on the north of Marienplatz, opposite the New Town hall was built in the 15th century and was rebuilt after it was bombed in World War II. It is now served as a toy museum.

Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady)

This Catholic cathedral topped with two “green onion” domes is the largest church in Munich and dubbed the symbol of Munich. The cathedral can hold around 20,000 people.

The construction began in 1468 and completed in 1488. However, the two onion domes were not added until 1525.

The Frauenkirche was constructed from red brick in the late Gothic style. The original design for the two towers were to top with pointed spires but were never built due to lack of money. Thus the two domes added in 1525, which somehow are mismatched stylistically with the rest of the building.

Kaufingerstrasse

Shopping street stretching from Marienplatz to Karlstor .

Michaelskirche (St. Michael Church)

Michaelskirche is located close to Karlstor and Frauenkirche. This largest Renaissance church north of the Alps was constructed in 1583 by Duke Wilhelm.

Karlstor (Karl's Gate)

Karlstor represent the entrance to the Historic City Centre

The giant pretzel

Deutsches Museum (German Museum)

Deutsches Museum is the world's largest museum of technology and science.

That's for today. There's a welcome dinner waiting for us at our hotel!