Schatzkammer der Residenz

Lonely Planet review

The Residenzmuseum entrance also leads to the Schatzkammer der Residenz. It's an Aladdin's cave worth of jewel-encrusted crowns, sceptres and royal accoutrements. Included among the mind-boggling treasures are portable altars, the ruby jewellery of Queen Therese, amazing pocket watches, and 'exotic handicrafts' from Turkey, Iran, Mexico and India. It's well worth the entry price.

Founded in 1565 by Duke Albrecht V, the treasury documenting the riches of the Wittelsbach dynasty is one of the most important of its kind in Europe.

The collection covers the late Graeco-Roman period and the Middle Ages including portable altars, the jewellery of Queen Therese, amazing pocket watches, and 'exotic handicrafts', including applied art from Turkey, Iran, Mexico and India.

The visit culminates in the murkily-lit chamber containing the Bavarian crown jewels, made in the early 19th century for Max II Joseph soon after the duchy was made a kingdom by Napoleon.