Odeonsplatz (circa 19th century by Leo von Klenze) is one of the main squares in Munich, and when I was there last year in May, the weather wasn’t really that friendly. You cannot win them all, eh?
Odeonsplatz (Odeon’s Square)
An excerpt from the website of Munich:
‘At the request of Ludwig I, Odeonsplatz was built by Leo von Klenze at the start of the 19th century in the Classical style.
It is used as a central square for the capital city. The square even has political importance: in 1923 Hitler’s coup attempt was stopped here; however, 10 years later National Socialism was glorified. Today the popular Open-Air Classics Concert take place yearly at Odeonsplatz. In the vicinity is the Hofgarten (“court gardenâ€) in which many Munich residents meet to play boules and relax. The Feldherrenhalle and Theatine Church complete the ensemble at Odeonsplatz.’
Field Marshall’s Hall (Feldherrnhalle)
The Field Marshalls Hall reminds me of the Loggia in Florence, the Loggia dei Lanzi also called Loggia della Signoria because it is located on Piazza della Signoria, which is one of my favourite squares in Florence actually. In a year or two or perhaps three, I would love to go back to Florence.
So I did some online research and indeed the hall was built to honour the Bavarian Army under the commission of King Ludwig I after he saw the Loggia in Florence, Italy. He wanted a similar one for Munich. I am happy to know that I still have a sharp, although selective memory, to see the resemblance. It has been almost 7 years ago since I last saw the Loggia in Florence.
Cafe Tambosi
Website: Cafe Luigi Tambosi am Hofgarten
This is the best place, I must say, to have a drink. The cafe is located right across Odeonsplatz with unrestricted view to the Feldherrnhalle and Theatine Church, and during the warmer months the cafe lays out a big outdoor terrace, but do make sure to visit inside as well because the building and its interior offer some old world charm that will make you smile.
The cafe also has a biergarten extension that can be accessed inside the Hofgarten.
Great location, cool atmosphere and a lovely view. A great stop altogether for a drink or a quick snack and some people watching =)
Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche of St. Catejan)
Website: Theatinerkirche
Beside the Feldherrnhalle on Odeonsplatz is this pretty Baroque Catholic Church, with Rococo facade influence. The design and colour of the church is very mediterranean which is quite a bit out of place for a country like Germany, so I did my research again and indeed the architect is an Italian and the church was inspired by the Sant’Andrea della Valle church in Rome.
In northern Europe, the architectural influence is mainly Gothic in different sub forms and Munich has proven to be one of the exemptions, it seems like.
Ludwig I on Wittelsbacherplatz
Adjacent to Odeonsplatz on the west side is this small square called Wittelsbacherplatz with an equestrian statue of King Ludwig I of Bavaria.
TRIVIA: Did you know that ‘Oktoberfest’ all started with King Ludwig I of Bavaria when he married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810?
The Royal Couple invited all the citizens and residents of Munich to celebrate the royal union to a city wide party, a festival that dragged on for days, which later became a yearly tradition up to now.
Travel Period: May 2013
Destination: Munich (Bavaria), Germany
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)