Munich - Day 2

The church bells didn't toll at 6am as expected, but 8am, which I missed as I was still in the breakfast room. It was very pleasant, I had the whole room to myself. A very generous buffet is on offer and I succumbed to the temptation of a cluster muesli that's studded with little chocolate chunks. It's not all bad, it is muesli, it's got oats and stuff. I also had a boiled egg - haven't had that for a while.

Fully satisfied it was now time to head off - first stop of the day, the Residenz (The Residence). Now I've heard good things by a trusted source so with much expectation I began the journey.

In fairly quick time with the tram I was dropped off in front of the Residence. Has it happens, today is the first day of the new opening hours - it doesn't open until 10 and lets just say I'm really early as the trip didn't take anywhere near the time I expected.


Residence Museum at Max-Joseph-Platz - statue of King Maximilian I

There was something happening to pass the time - by the number of catering trucks, there was filming going on and sure enough, the set rolled past me. It looked quite funny, the two actors on the back of a vespa that is on a trailer and being driven along the streets. Poor darlings, can't have them really on the road. You can't act and drive at the same time! What was funnier was when they rolled past the second time they stopped. And out came the fluffers with blankets for the actors. Diddums are they cold?



Now by the lack of a crowd and by the presence of only 1 policeman, they can't be anyone that famous. Obviously they are german actors.

I killed more time by exploring the outside of the Residence - these are views of the facade along Residenz Straße.



and one of amazing courtyards - there are 10 courtyards in the Residence complex - this is the Kaiserhof or Emperor's Courtyard.



I should mention that The Residence was the home to Bavarian royalty and it's currently divided into the Residence Museum, Treasury and Egyptian Museums. opted for the residence only ticket and will come back to do the treasury. The best part is that you can take photos just DO NOT USE FLASH, numb-nuts. Amazing how many dills will try it - believe me when I say the security will notice the first time you do it and put a stop to it. I suggest you learn how to use your camera and turn the flash off.

I got around it by bumping up the iso to 1600 - these aren't going to be fine art shots but they will provide a good idea of what the place looks like.

The first room you go to, isn't really a room, it's partially outside, the grotto.



it overlooks opens out onto the Grotto Courtyard



The central statue is of Perseus holding the head of Medusa. This courtyard was designed in 1583 as an open-air hall.

They have pictures of the grotto's state after bombing and you have admire the restoration and rebuilding work they have done.

Next room is something that makes your jaw drop - the antiquarium. There is just so many things in this huge hall (it's 75 meters long), you just can't take it all in.




From here you head upstairs



to the Black Hall




This is Antonio Canova's "Venus Italica" inspired by Venus Medici and it stands in the lobby of the Yellow stairs - from here you reach the "Collection Rooms" they hold the Court's plate and East Asian Collection.

Views of the Battle Hall Rooms





The Knights of St George Room houses the model of Curvilliés last project, which was to enlarge the Residenz by replacing the burnt (in 1750) Nuveste section. This project never went ahead.


Next are the Rich Rooms - denoted by their rich red walls





The Inner Audience Room





These rooms then lead onto the Green Gallery











Next is the Bedroom of the Bavarian Elector - it's very subtle


and the Mirror Cabinet - you might be able to notice all those little blue vases on the walls


and Cabinet of Miniatures - mini paintings adorn the walls.





The Games Room



On ground level on onto the last part of the Residenz, The Wittlesbach Portrait Gallery.







I think you'd have to agree that is an impressive building.

My next stop was the Frauenkircke with it's twin onion topped towers




Since it is Sunday and masses are on, I'll visit it another day.

From here it's a short hop to the Rathaus - Munich number one pick pocket point.



You see, while people crowd around to watch the famous Glockenspiel, their minds are no longer on their possessions leaving them prime for the picking, so to speak.

The Rathaus was built between 1867-1908 - the Glockenspiel has 43 bells and plays a 15 minute carillon at 11am and also at 12am and 5pm during May to October. The figures re-enact the 1568 marriage festivites of Duke Wilhelm V to Renate von Lothringen.



From here I venture out to the Alte Pinakothek - it's home to over 700 paintings from the 13th to 18th century. Best part of this - you can take photos (no flash naturally)!


These stairs take you up to the galleries

One of my favs - Canaletto



a Rembrandt Self-Portrait



Da Vinci's "Virgin and Child"



Raphael's "Madonna della Tenda" and "Madonna Tempi"





This pretty much saw me through quite a busy day - a very impressive start to Munich.

If you'd like to see more photos from today just click on the appropriate set
Munich Set
Residenz Set
Alte Pinakothek Set