Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
six-room extravaganza of exuberant rococo carried out by the top stucco and fresco artists
of the day; they're a definite highlight. More rococo magic awaits in the
Ahnengallery
(Ancestors Gallery), with 121 portraits of the rulers of Bavaria in chronological order.
The
Hofkapelle
, reserved for the ruler and his family fades quickly in the memory
when you see the exquisite
Reichekapelle
with its blue and gilt ceiling, inlaid marble and
16th-century organ. Considered the finest rococo interiors in southern Germany, another
spot to linger longer is the
Steinzimmer
(Stone Rooms), the emperor's quarters awash in
intricately patterned and coloured marble.
MAXIMILIANSTRASSE
It's pricey and pretentious, but no trip to Munich would be complete without a saunter down Max-
imilianstrasse, one of the city's grandest boulevards. Starting at Max-Joseph-Platz, it's a 1km-long
ribbon of style where doe-eyed shoppers browse for Escada and Prada, and suits sip champagne in
pavement cafes, with nary a hair out of place. Several of Munich's finest theatrical venues, includ-
ing the Nationaltheater, the Kammerspiele and the Kleine Komödie am Max II, are also here.
Built between 1852 and 1875, Maximilianstrasse was essentially an ego trip of King Max II. He
harnessed the skills of architect Friedrich von Bürklein to create a unique stylistic hotchpotch ran-
ging from Bavarian rustic to Italian Renaissance and English Gothic. It even became known as the
Maximilianic Style. That's the king gazing down upon his boulevard - engulfed by roaring traffic -
from his perch at the centre of the strip. Clinging to the base are four rather stern-looking children
holding the coats of arms of Bavaria, Franconia, Swabia and the Palatinate.
Schatzkammer der Residenz
(Residence Treasury; adult/concession/ under 18yr with parents €7/6/free; 9am-6pm
Apr-mid-Oct, 10am-5pm mid-Oct-Mar)
The Residenzmuseum entrance also leads to the
Schatzkammer der Residenz, a veritable banker's bonus worth of jewel-encrusted bling of
yesteryear, from golden toothpicks to finely crafted swords, miniatures in ivory to gold
entombed cosmetics trunks. The 1250 incredibly intricate and attractive items on display
come in every precious material you could imagine, including rhino horn, lapis lazuli,
crystal, coral and amber.
MUSEUM
