On the edge of Munich’s central square (Marienplatz) is the daily food market and square known as the “Viktualienmarkt” (meaning “victuals” from the Latin word for food). This market place replaced an earlier, and much smaller, farmer’s market which specialized in cereals and agricultural products. The new “Market Place” was officially opened on May 2, 1807 by a decree from King Maximilian I. Between 1823 and 1838, it was significantly enlarged (to its current 240,000 square feet) with the demolition of a number of surrounding buildings. This addition included space for bakeries, a butcher’s hall, fish stalls, and flower vendors.
​ Today, the city’s largest, and most famous, outdoor market is organized under the “Wholesale Market Munich” run by the city.

Munich’s 240,000 square foot “Viktualienmkt” is a favorite stop amongst locals for food shopping, as well as a top attraction for tourists.

Long before literacy became popular, cities would erect pictographic “Maypoles” to indicate the location of various products and services (e.g. the blacksmith, butcher, etc.). Towns would often compete with each other to develop the most beautiful and informative “Maypoles.”

Archival photo of the Viktualienmarkt as it appeared in 1900.

This was an early form of “One-Stop Shopping.”

One could pick up just about any type of food product they needed here.

While food was not the only items sold in the Market Place, there was ample seating available for those who wished to consume their edibles right away.

Street performers have their own spot to entertain those visiting the square.

Munich’s central plaza, Marienplatz, is just a stone’s throw from the Market Place.

Known officially as the “Cathedral of Our Dear Lady”, and as the “Frauenkirche” by locals, the Munchner Dom (Munich Cathedral) was the city’s second parish (after Peterskirche) and serves as the Cathedral for the Archdioces of Munich and Fresing. Constructed in the Romanesque style during the twelveth century, the Cathedral sat next to the towns first ring of defensive walls. It replaced an earlier structure, also built in the Romanesque style. The Cathedral was totally rebuilt in 1468. Twenty years later, construction began on two towers for the church; with the north tower eventually reaching 324.4 feet and the south tower 323 feet. Funding issues delayed completion of the towers until 1525. The domes on top of each of the towers were modeled after the “Dome of the Rock” in Jerusalem. Early documents indicated that the Cathedral had space for twenty thousand standees (pews were not added until much later).
Allied bombing during Wirld War II caused the roof to collapse while also damaging the church’s interior and one of the towers. Due to a lack of any local stone pits, restoration work following the War made use of easily accessible red bricks, giving the church its distinctive coloring.
Inside the main entrance, a black mark on the floor, in the shape of a foot, is known as the “Devil’s Footprint.” Legend states that when the Devil entered the church, he ridiculed it for being “windowless”, only to learn that the builder had tricked him by hiding the windows behind a row of supporting columns. Becoming angry at this deception, the Devil stomped his foot, leaving the mark on the floor. At least, that’s how the story goes.
Magnificent artwork from the 14th to the 18th centuries adorn the church’s interior. One of the main attractions of the Cathedral is the tomb monument of Louis IV, Holy Roman Emporer of the region.
This beautiful landmark Cathedral is considered to be a symbol of this Bavarian capital city. We loved it.

Built during the twelfth century, The Munich Cathedral is the second oldest church in the city (after St.Peter’s). This serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising.

Known as “The Cathedral of Our Dear Lady”, the church’s twin towers are easily seen from in front of the New Town Hall in Marienplatz.

Modeled after Jerusalem’s “Dome of the Rock”, the church’s towers differ in height by 1.4 feet (with the north tower being the taller).

As with many of the great churchs of this same era, the Cathedral’s elaborate entrance decorations indicate some of what will be found inside.

At first glance, the interior seems beautiful but not spectacular...

...until you start exploring and find such wonderful works such as this tomb for the Holy Roman Emperor, Louis IV,...

...or the very colorful Jann pipe organ...

...and this unbelievablely complicated and beautiful stained glass window.

One if the more popular attractions is the “Devil’s Footprint,” which legend states was caused when the Devil angrily stomped his foot after being fooled by the Cathedral’s builder.

Standing on a hill (“The only noteworthy elevation in Munich’s Old Town”), called by eighth century monks as “Petersbergle” (Peter’s Hill), is the oldest church in the city - “”Peterskirche”, or “Peter’s Church.” There has been a church on this spot going all the way back to the eighth century (400 years before the actual founding of the city). By the end of the twelfth century, a new church was constructed in the Bavarian Romanesque style. Locals affectionately called it “Alte Peter” or “Old Pete.” A large fire destroyed this church in 1327, but by 1368, it had been rebuilt. In fact, the church has been reconstructed and/or expanded many times over the years - which somewhat explains the various art styles found within the interior. During the seventeenth century, a 273 foot steeple, constructed in the Romanesque style, was added. Climbing the 306 steps to a viewing platform on the steeple, provides a wonderful view of the city.
Surrounded by the “Viktualienmkt” (“Farmer’s Market”) and the “Rindermkt” (“Cattle Market”) indicates the city was built around the church. The very elaborate gilded high altar was added in 1886.
During World War II, Peterskirche was heavily damaged by Allied bombing raids. Reconstruction took until the year 2000 to complete.
One of the more unique, and popular, artifacts contained inside the church is the Saint Mundita skeleton within the second chapel on the left. For some unknown reason, this martyre’s remains were gilded and encrusted with precious gems, creating a rather macabre scene.
As with most cities throughout Europe, Munich has a plethora of churches of various denominations. Peterskirche is one of our favorites.

With the Marienplatz on one side and the farmer’s market on another, the Peterskirche is a central attraction in Munich,

The interior is stunningly beautiful.

We could not even imagine the level of skill that went into the ceiling frescos.

Even the woodwork around the pulpit was amazing!

The second chapel on the left side of the church contains a surprise artifact...

...a gilded, jewel encrusted skeleton of Saint Mundita.

From the steeple’s viewing platform, visitors get a wonderful view of the city...

...including the New City Hall in Marienplatz.

The 1.4 square mile “Englischer Gartens” (English Gardens) is one of the world’s largest urban parks. Created by Sir Benjamin Thompson ( later Count Rumford) in 1789, its name derives from its architectural landscape style. Thompson’s’ original concept was to provide peacetime civilian-like work, such as gardening and farming, for the local military. Elector Charles Theodore had decreed that gardens should be established in each of his garrison cities so his soldiers could gain some agricultural knowledge. The site chosen in Munich was the former monarchy hunting grounds known as “Deer Park.”
When construction began in July of 1789, a decision was made to transform the military gardens into a public park. As the process progresses, a number of associated projects were added to the plans, including cattle and sheep farms, a garden for students of a neighboring military academy, and a farming school. While in the beginning, the gardens were called “Theodore’s Park,” this quickly (by1792) changed to being called the “English Gardens,”
A seventy-five foot tall, five story wooden structure, known as the “Chinese Tower,” was built towards the middle of the park, surrounded by eating venues. World War II Allied bombings destroyed the tower during 1944. It was rebuilt according to its original plans in 1951. A Greek-style temple, called the “Monopteros” (a circular colonnade supporting a roof but without walls) was constructed o. A 45 foot tall hill overlooking some of the surrounding open fields in 1832. One hundred forty years later, a Japanese Tea House and garden were built on the southern end of the park to celebrate the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich. Also located in the southern end of the park is the immensely popular artificial stream, which includes a standing wave for river surfers to practice their skills.

Originally known as “Theodore’s Park”, the English Gardens are larger than New York’s Central Park.

Near the center of the park is the Kleinhesseloher See, a lovely lake, with three small islands on which ducks, geese, and swans have nesting places. Visitors can rent paddle boats in order to explore the lake.

Count Rumford (Sir Benjamin Thompson) was the driving force behind the construction of the English Gardens. This monument celebrates his efforts.

Landscaper Frederich Ludwig von Sckell partnered with Count Rumford to make the gardens enjoyable. His monument sits on the bank of the Kleinhesseloher See.

Known as the “Monopteros,” this Greek-style colonnaded structure overlooks the lush green spaces of the park.

Near the center of the gardens is this five-story “Chinese Tower” where visitors can enjoy a leisurely meal while listening to an Oom-Pah band.

On the southern end of the park, a Japanese Teahouse and garden was created to commemorate the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich.

Also at the southern end is an artificial stream with a standing wave where river surfers can practice their skills.

Since 1158, Marienplatz (meaning “Virgin Mary Square” or “Our Lady’s Square”) has been the centerpiece of Munich. Originally named “Schrannen” after a town in Austria, the square was renamed “Marienplatz” as a means of asking the Virgin Mary to protect the town. This new name derived from a religious column (known as the “Mariensule”). Originally sculptured in 1590 and erected in the square in 1638, to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation following the Thirty Years War, the gilded statue on top of the column depicts Mary, as the “Queen of Heaven”, standing on a crescent moon.
During the Middle Ages, Marienplatz played host to markets, festivals, and tournaments. On the east side of the square is the Old Town Hall. Completely destroyed by fire in 1460, it was rebuilt between 1470 and 1480. By the mid-to-late 19th century, this building was deemed too small for the city’s administrative offices. So, a larger (300 feet long and 250 feet tall) town hall was constructed in the Flemish Gothic style. The Old Town Hall was once again destroyed during World War II, only to be rebuilt according to its original 15th century plans.
The new town hall’s bell tower contains the famous 100 year old (1908) Glockenspiel with 32 life-size figures depicting historic scenes from Munich’s past. At 11:00 am, 12 noon, and 5:00 pm, the Glickenspiel entertains visitors as the figures perform the “Cooper’s Dance” (originally created to celebrate the end of the plague in 1517). Nearby is the small “Fish Fountain,” symbolizing the square serving as a former farmer’s market. This was also destroyed during World War II, later (1954) being rebuilt.

First documented in 1310, the Old Town Hall housed Munich’s municipal offices. Remnants of the city’s first wall, known as the “Talburg Gate” serve as the spire for the building.

Munich’s name derived from the religious Mariensule column in the center of the square.

Sculptured in 1590, the gilded statue was erected in the center of the square in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation following the Thirty Years War.

Just a few steps from the Mariensule column is the “Fish Fountain” which symbolizes the square’s use as a farmer’s market over the years.

Designed in the Flemish Gothic style, the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) has assumed the role of centerpiece of the square.

Situated on the facade of the New Town Hall’s bell tower, the 100 year old Glockenspiel is a favorite tourist attraction.

Along the eastern edge of the Marienplatz is the new location for Munich’s farmer’s market.

Because of a high illiteracy rate during the Middle-Ages, towns adopted sign post such as this one in the farmer’s market to indicate the location of various services; e.g. the barrels on the lower left indicating a barrel maker; and the horses on the lower right could indicate a stable and/or a blacksmith.

Located in southeast Germany, near the Bavarian Alps, Munich is the capital city of the federal state of Bavaria. Originally founded in 1158 by the Benedictine order of monks (it’s name deriving from the Old German “Munichen”, meaning “By the monks”) who ran a monastery here, this was the first settlement established on the Salt Road. Seventeen years later, it had achieved city status. By 1255, Bavaria split in two, with Munich becoming the Dukedom of Upper Bavaria. Two hundred fifty-one years after that event (1506), Bavaria was reunited and Munich became its capital.
With 250 publishing houses spread around the city, Munich is the second largest publishing center in the world (after Tokyo). Its 1.4 square mile “English Gardens” is one of the largest urban parks in the world (even surpassing New York’s Central Park). Along the park’s southern border is the unique man-made “Eisbach Wave” used for river surfing.
Rated among Europe’s top film companies, the Bavarian Film Studio was founded in Munich during 1919. Some of the notable movies made at this studio include “Paths of Glory” (1957); “The Great Escape” (1963); and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971).

Munich’s Coat of Arms depicts its Benedictine Monk origins.

Marienplatz -the city’s central square -looks like a picture post card...

..and is a favorite tourist hangout.

City Hall is the centerpiece of Marienplatz...

...partly because of its famous Glockenspiel (one of the most photographed attractions in the city).

As one of the World’s largest urban parks, Munich’s English Gardens offers a delightful respite from urban life.

Along the park’s southern border, surfers practice their skills at the man-made Eisbach Wave.

There are so many beautiful sites to experience in Munich, from fantastic churches...

..to exquisite theaters.

Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall were inexorably linked throughout the Cold War. So, it is only fitting that a museum dedicated to these two iconic symbols of that time period should exist next to where they intersected. Created to document what the East German authorities declared to be the “...best border security system in the world,” the Checkpoint Charlie museum (named after the famous border crossing) opened on June 14, 1963. Its stated mission was to focus on escape attempts from East Germany, along with the various pieces of equipment used to facilitate those attempts. The “August 13th Working Group” (named after the date the Wall was constructed) put together the first exhibits for the museum. In the beginning, their efforts were not very well organized, partly because a lot of the associations activities at the time were devoted to planning and assisting escape attempts.
After the Wall fell, the museum became a private enterprise, focusing on being a “...place of experience.” As a result, it became the most commercially successful museum in Europe. Today, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum is one of the most frequently visited (with over 850,000 attendees) attraction in Berlin.
Thinking we were quite knowledgeable about this period, because of growing up as these events were unfolding, the information presented here greatly improved our knowledge base.

With the famous border crossing in the foreground, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum sees close to a million visitors per year.

Following German Reunification, the original Checkpoint Charlie building was moved to the Allied Museum in Berlin.

The current building is located on the original border crossing spot, opposite the museum.

Some of the exhibits depict the ways East Germans tried to escape to the West.

Any space that would accommodate a body, would work...

...even a suitcase.

Some enterprising individuals even tried the aeronautical approach...

...including a number of hot air balloon attempts...

...which were documented in news articles...

Other exhibits depict the history of the Third Reich in Berlin.