Palace sights in Munich
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A
Residenz
The Residenz is a suitably grand palace to reflect the splendour and power of the Wittelsbach clan, the Bavarian rulers who lived here from 1385 to 1918. The edifice dwarfs Max-Joseph-Platz along with the grandiose Nationaltheater, home to the Bavarian State Opera. Its museums are among the jewels in Munich's cultural crown.
A quadriga of giant bronze lions guards the entrance to the palace on Residenzstrasse, supported by pedestals festooned with a half-human, half-animal face. Note the creatures' remarkably shiny noses. If you wait a moment, you'll see the reason for the sheen: scores of people walk by and casually rub one or all four noses. It's supposed to bring you w…
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Reiche Zimmer
Upstairs and accessible all day, are François Cuvilliés' Reiche Zimmer (Rich Rooms), a six-room extravaganza of exuberant rococo carried out by the top stucco and fresco artists of the day; they're a definite museum highlight.
Also up here and only accessible in the morning are the Kurfürstenzimmer (Elector's Rooms) with some stunning Italian portraits and a passage lined with two dozen views of Italy, painted by local romantic artist Carl Rottmann.
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B
Schloss Nymphenburg
Commanding Schloss Nymphenburg and its lavish gardens sprawl about 5km northwest of the Altstadt. Begun in 1664 as a villa for Electress Adelaide of Savoy, the palace and gardens were expanded over the next century to create the royal family's summer residence. Franz Duke of Bavaria, the head of the once royal Wittelsbach family, still occupies an apartment within the palace complex. To get there take tram 17 from Karlsplatz.
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C
Schloss Suresnes
The baroque Schloss Suresnes is a petite palace built in 1718 for one of Elector Max's government officials. Paul Klee had a studio here from 1919 to 1922, and it now houses a Catholic academy.
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D
Leuchtenberg-Palais
A stately town palace modelled after a Roman palazzo and now home of the Bavarian Finance Ministry.
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