|
Located
to the north of the Bavarian Alps, on the River Isar, Munich (München) is
Germany's third largest city, and is where the country's wealthy trendsetters
like to ‘be seen'. Founded by Duke Henry the Lion, in 1158, within a century,
the city had become the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty, who ruled the duchy,
electorate and kingdom of Bavaria until the end of WWI. Their influence is
evident in the concentration of grand gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and
neo-classical architecture adorning Munich's streets. Perhaps most importantly,
the Wittelsbachs' patronage of the arts and extensive collections provided the
basis for this affluent city's world-class museums and galleries.
The
city acquired the name München (‘home of the monks') from its first monastery,
founded in the eighth century. Monasteries have since played an important role
in the history of the city, not least by starting the beer brewing traditions
for which the city has received worldwide renown. Successive rulers, detecting
a profitable source of tax revenue, actively encouraged beer production as a
means both of raising money and keeping the populace happy at the same time.
Following recent mergers, the city's six breweries have been reduced to four -
Augustiner, Hofbräuhaus, Paulaner (who now own Hacker-Pschorr) and the merged
Spaten-Löwenbräu. Beer quality is still based on the Reinheitsgebot (Purity
Edict), introduced by the Bavarian Duke Wilhelm IV, in 1516, which forbids the
use of anything other than the core ingredients of barley, hops and water in
the brewing process. Drinking a foaming Mass (measure) of beer in one of the
city's beer halls or gardens is an essential part of the Munich experience.
The
period between the wars represents the low point in Munich's history and tends
to be glossed over by tourist brochures. The city was the cradle of the Nazi
movement after WWI and was the scene of Hitler's first attempt to seize power -
the infamous ‘Beer Hall Putsch' on 8 November 1923. Moreover, in 1938, the
treaty that surrendered a large portion of Czechoslovakia to the Nazis was
signed by Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy in Munich - an act of
appeasement that started the slide towards WWII. The city suffered intensive
bombing damage during Allied air raids at the end of the war but the economic
success of the post-war years has supported a comprehensive rebuilding and
restoration programme, making the city one of the most popular tourist destinations
in Germany.
The
citizens of Munich demonstrate a cosmopolitan refinement as well as genuine
passion for the region's many traditions, and tourists flock to the city for
the world famous Oktoberfest, to indulge in an orgy of beer and revelry. The stereotypical
images of lederhosen-clad Bavarians quaffing vast portions of beer and sausage
might apply at this time, however, with a strong cultural scene, richly endowed
art collections and excellent shopping, the city, also home of BMW cars and
centre of the German film industry, certainly has more to offer than just light
entertainment. With warm summers accommodating lovely garden restaurants and
open-air stages, and snowy winters with romantic Christmas markets, Munich is a
place to visit all year round.
|
