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Exquisite Renaissance architecture |
Neuhauser Straße 51 Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80331 Germany |
Made up of four wings, this imposing Renaissance building was originally erected as a Jesuit school at the end of the sixteenth century. After the Jesuit Order was banned in 1773, the house was used by a variety of different institutions including the Bavarian State Library between 1774-1843 and the Academy of Fine Arts in 1784-1885. Munich's university was even temporarily accommodated here until its campus was completed. The Alte Akademie was destroyed in the Second World War but was rebuilt and is now home to the Regional Department of Statistics. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Stunning rococo architecture |
Schloss Nymphenburg Munich, Bayern 80638 Germany +49 89 17908 sgvnymphenburg@bsv.bayern.de |
This ornate hunting lodge in the grounds of Schloss Nymphenburg is regarded by many as one of Germany's finest examples of rococo architecture. Designed by court architect Cuvilliés in 1734-39, Amalienburg was a present from Prince Karl Albert to his wife Amalia. The exterior is decorated with stuccos of Diana, Godess of Bavaria, and a number of satirical busts. The decoration inside is, to say the least, extravagant. The round mirror room, with its silver murals of the hunt, is definitely worth a visit. The other rooms are also remarkable, especially the kitchen which, for those days, was amazingly well equipped. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Grandiose aristocratic house |
Maria-Einsiedel-Straße 45 Thalkirchen Munich, Bayern 81379 Germany |
This was once the home and studio of Cosmas Damian Asam, an important painter of the late baroque period. The facade of the Asamschlößl is a rare example of the sort which was once so widespread in Munich. The painter acquired the estate in 1724, added a studio and started to decorate the facade with his work. At the time, the grounds also included buildings for the workers, a geometrically designed garden and a chapel built by his brother Egid Quirin. The house was rebuilt after the War by Schleich and the paintings on its facade restored. Quality regional cuisine has been served here at reasonable prices since 1993. The dining rooms are traditional and comfortable, comprising the Tirol Room, a lounge with a clay oven and a beautiful garden. Celebrities from the nearby film studios in Geiselgasteig are regular guests here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Architectural showpiece |
Odeonsplatz 6-18 Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80539 Germany |
Together with the Odeon, Palais Leuchtenberg and Feldherrnhalle, this classical building on the west side of the Hofgarten makes up one of Munich's most stunning architectural showpieces. The Bazargebäude was erected in 1824-26 by Munich's most illustrious architect, Leo von Klenze, and marks the start of the prestigious Ludwigstraße. The building is now home to the Filmcasino and Luigi Tambosi. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Princely castle |
Schloß Blutenburg 1 Obermenzing Munich, Bayern 81247 Germany +49 89 891 2110 |
Formerly used for hunting and pleasure by Bavarian princes, Blutenburg Castle was built in 1425 by Albrecht III, who stayed there with his lover Agnes Bernauer. She is one of the popular, tragic figures of Bavarian history, having been taken prisoner by Albrecht's father in 1435 and drowned as witch. Blutenburg is a moated castle situated between two branches of the River Würm, one of which was dammed to form two lakes. It is an example of late gothic architecture which, by the time the prince's stables were constructed in 1529, had been significantly extended (the castle church was added in 1488 and the New Hall in 1456). There are lovely gardens designed by Teutsch. The castle has housed the International Youth Library since 1983, which, with over 500,000 volumes, is the largest of its type in the world. There is a lending library of books in 15 languages, available free of charge to young people under 18. The Michael Ende Museum has also been located in the building since 1996. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dachau concentration camp - shadows of the past |
Alte Römerstraße 75 Dachau Munich, Bayern 85221 Germany +49 8131 669970 http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-da... info@kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de |
A visit to Dachau, the remains of Germany's first concentration camp, is an experience you will never forget. Built shortly after Hitler seized power, its aim was to extinguish opposition through incarceration and/or murder. Dachau has been preserved and is open to the public as a reminder of the horrors of Nazi Germany. The former work house is home to a permanent exhibition which describes in horrifying detail the history of the camp; a memorial to the victims of fascism (erected in 1968) stands in front of the building. The barracks have also been kept intact, for it was here that the prisoners - Social Democrats, Communists, Jews, Gypsies and Prisoners of War - were imprisoned. After the war, the camp was used as a temporary home for innumerable 'displaced persons'. The north-western part of the site includes the crematorium, where over 30,000 of Dachau's victims were cremated. Documentary film: Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classical music in the Royal Hall |
Residenzstraße 1 Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80333 Germany +49 89 5481 8181 http://www.muenchenticket.de/h... info@muenchenticket.de |
Music is an essential part of Munich. This hall in the Residenz Palace, simplistic in design but ideal for music, hosts some of the finest symphony and chamber concerts in the country. Under the watchful eyes of Hercules, whose heroic deeds are portrayed on the walls, many a famous orchestra has guested alongside the Bayerischer Rundfunk Symphony Orchestra and the Munich Symphonic. Promenade concerts by the Bayerische Rundfunk take place here regularly on Sundays, as does the 'musica viva' series, featuring contemporary electronic music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Palace turned funeral department |
Damenstiftstraße 8 Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80331 Germany +49 89 231 9902 |
Once an aristocratic palace, thought to have been constructed in about 1726 by Ignaz Anton Gunetzrhainer, Lerchenfeld Palace was destroyed during the War, with just its rococo facade (attributed to Stuber) remaining. In 1958, the palace was beautifully restored by Erwin Schleich. The plaster figures, attributed to Johann Baptist Zimmermann, are especially fine, particularly the Wessobrunner Madonna above the portal. The building now serves as the municipal funeral department. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Little Versailles |
Schloss Schleißheim Munich, Bayern 85716 Germany |
In 1684 Prince Max Emmanuel II commissioned Zuccalli to build Schloss Lustheim opposite the old Schleißheim Castle. Zuccalli's construction combined a hunting lodge, residential rooms and fanciful leisure facilities, and was without rival at the time. This fine example of a late baroque stately home now houses an exhibition of Ernst Schneider's porcelain collection, which provides a good overview of the whole range of Meißen porcelain. The garden is a further attraction; it was also planned by Zuccalli and is one of the few remaining baroque gardens in Germany. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The tower with a past |
Lenbachplatz 7 Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80333 Germany |
Almost completely destroyed in 1944, Maxburg Castle's grounds underwent modern development in the post-war period. Originally known as Wilhelminische Veste (after Wilhelm V, 1579-97, who commissioned Heinrich von Schön the Elder to build it), the castle was later home to Count Maximilian Philipp (Kurfürst Maximilian). The only surviving part of the original building is the tower on the northern side of the grounds. The courtyard houses the ornate Moses Fountain made by Joseph Henselmann in 1955; the Maxburgstraße facade boasts a mosaic by Spreng and Braun and a relief by Knappe, both of which are examples of 1950s art. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Munich's premier opera house |
Max-Joseph-Platz 2 Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80539 Germany +49 89 21 8501 http://www.staatstheater.bayer... |
When the original Opera House built by Francesco Santurini had to be closed in 1795 because of its dilapidated state, Duke Montgelas and Minister Max I Joseph decided to hold an architectural competition to build a new Opera House. The 21-year-old Karl von Fischer unexpectedly won the competition and erected his classical building in 1818. The theatre is well-planned and has a Corinthian portico dedicated to Apollo and the Muses; there is also a mosaic of Pegasus on the rear tympanum, designed by Ludwig Schwantehaler. The building has been destroyed twice: once by fire in 1825 (it was rebuilt two years later in a style faithful to the original) and again in a 1943 air raid, being rebuilt in 1963 according to the original plans. The Bavarian State Opera Orchestra, under the direction of Zubin Mehta, is one of the world's best, and the Munich Opera Festival attracts many enthusiasts from around the world every year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Biggest baroque castle in Germany |
Schlossrondell Nymphenburg Munich, Bayern 80638 Germany +49 89 17 9080 |
With a longer facade than the Palace of Versailles, Schloß Nymphenberg was the impressive summer residence of the Wittelsbachs. The Stone Hall is particularly impressive and the famous 'Schönheitengalerie' (Gallery of the Beauties) is also a must, containing the portraits of 36 local women. A few interesting smaller palaces can be found in the park: the Amalienburg, Pagodenburg and Badenburg. Built in 1721, this was modern Europe's first swimming pool. The Marstallmuseum boasts a comprehensive display of carriages, sleds and crockery; the Meditationskapelle (Meditation Chapel) with its Magdalenenklause is also worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Medieval castle and royal residence |
Burgstraße 8 Munich, Bayern 80331 Germany |
Alter Hof castle, the residence of the Bavarian royal family since 1253, was built to the north-east of the city so as to protect the Emperor against possible uprisings by the citizens of Munich. The remains of the castle, with its late-Gothic bay window (known as the 'Affenturm'), the gatehouse to the north and the enclosure to the west, form the oldest group of medieval buildings in the city. Although, of course, the buildings have been reconstructed several times over the centuries, most notably in the nineteenth century and after the Second World War. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Local brewery |
Sendlinger Straße 14 Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80331 Germany +49 89 260 5026 http://www.hackerhaus.de hackerhaus@aol.com |
First used as a brewery in the year 1417, this place really took off in the 18th century when it was taken over by Hacker and Pschorr. Like many other beers, Hacker-Pschorr is now produced out of town, but is still sold in the original city-centre building, which has now been renovated after damage in the Second World War. The beer is accompanied by tasty Bavarian specialities such as roast pork. Old photographs and other bits and bobs document the history of the brewery; the Silbersaal hall and the sculpture by Johann Hauttmann (of Schloß Linderhof fame) in the foyer are well worth seeing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A view of the Alps |
Rindermarkt 1 Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80331 Germany +49 89 260 4828 |
Alter Peter (Old Peter) is the tower of the oldest parish church in Munich, St Peter's Church. The valiant visitor who manages to climb the 302 steps to the top will have an incomparable view of Munich and, on a clear day, the Alps look close enough to touch. St. Peter's was named after the old hill on which it stands, the Petersberg. There was apparently a chapel on the site before Munich was founded, which was then replaced with a Romanesque structure in the 11th century and later a Gothic building. In the 14th century, the double-tower was redeveloped to form the single tower facade of the church which remains today. Over the centuries, St. Peter's underwent even more changes, mainly in the Baroque and Rococo periods. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Provincial palace on the outskirts of the city |
Maximilianshof 1 Oberschleißheim Munich, Bayern 85764 Germany +49 89 315 5272 |
Built in the 16th century by Duke Wilhelm V as a simple farmhouse, the Duke's son, Elector Maximilan I, converted the house into a high Renaissance-style manor house between in 1617-23. The original outhouses were kept, and remain intact today. Large scale renovation was necessary after a bad fire in 1944, and the Altes Schloss now forms part of the Bavarian National Museum, showing exhibitions on East and West Prussia and the Gertrud Weinhold collection. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Viewing point and rotating restaurant |
Spiridon-Louis-Ring 7 Oympiapark Munich, Bayern 80809 Germany +49 89 3066 8585 |
At 287m the Olympic tower is the tallest building in Munich, just 10m shorter than the Eiffel tower. Built by the civic council in 1965-68 for the 1972 Olympics, it provides the best view of the city and surrounding area and in good weather it is possible to see as far as the Alps. It costs (EUR2) to go to the top, though it's just (EUR 1.25) for under-15s and free for kids under six. The Olympiaturm restaurant beneath the viewing platform is open from 11a-5p and 6:30p-midnight. As well as providing a stunning view, this rotating restaurant also serves very good dishes from around the world at reasonable prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Chinese pavilion |
Schloss Nymphenburg Munich, Bayern 80638 Germany +49 89 17908 |
The Pagodenburg was one of the first pavilions to be built in Nymphenburg (1716-1719). Designed by Josef Effner for Max Emanuel, the building is modeled on the Baghdad Pagoda in Istanbul. Octagonal from the outside, the interior is divided into two hexagonal rooms and a Chinese cabinet. The façade of the pavilion is French rococo; the interior, however, is very Chinese, which was highly fashionable at the time. The rooms are decorated with painted tiles and the ceilings are covered in painted pagodas–hence the name! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Palace of Justice |
Elisenstraße 1 Maxvorstadt Munich, Bayern 80335 Germany |
Erected between 1891-97 by Friedrich von Thiersch, this monumental but well-proportioned building combines Renaissance and Baroque elements, and is one of the most successful examples of late 19th century German historicism. Its eastern wing, which you can see from Karlsplatz (Stachus), is particularly attractive with its sculptured central section and exaggerated Attica, behind which rises an impressive glass and iron dome. The Justizpalast (Palace of Justice) was destroyed in the War and while the interior has not been restored entirely to its original glory, it is nevertheless impressive. On the northern side, you will see the neo-Gothic Neue Justizpalast (New Palace of Justice), which was also built by Thiersch in 1906-08. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classical architecture |
Königsplatz Square Munich, Bayern 80333 Germany |
After planning several objects in the early-to-mid 19th century (Gasteig, Ludwigstraße and Nymphenburg), architect Leo von Klenz was commissioned by Ludwig I in 1846 to design a gateway for the western side of Königsplatz. His plans were brought to fruition in 1854-62. Lying in front of the central passage is a pediment with six Doric columns; within it are double rows of Ionic pillars and behind them is a wall inscribed with the names of Greek freedom fighters and the Bavarian troops who aided them in battle. Ludwig's son ruled Greece as Otto I (1833-62) following its liberation from the Ottoman Empire. The sculptures on the pediment were made according to plans drawn up by Ludwig von Schwanthaler. The western side depicts the Glorification of the Greek War of Independence, while the side facing the square features the Homage to King Otto of Greece. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Royal residence |
Max-Joseph-Platz 3 Munich, Bayern 80539 Germany +49 89 29 0671 |
In 1385 the ruling Wittelsbach family decided to erect a new palace as the Alter Hof had become too small for their needs. The main building was the first part of the royal residence to be erected. The palace grounds include numerous grottoes, courtyards, fountains, a medicine room, antiquarium, chapel and the delightful Wittelsbach fountain built by Duke Otto in 1611-23. The Residenz houses the Crown Jewels, the State Collection of Egyptian Art, the late-baroque Residenz Theatre and the classicist Herkulessaal, a concert hall with amazing acoustics. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Magnificent coloured facades |
Rindermarkt 10 Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80331 Germany +49 89 2332 6666 |
The Ruffini Building was constructed between 1903-05 in accordance with plans drafted by Gabriel von Seidl. The elegant facades appear old and venerable, full of opulent ornamentation. The decorative stucco mouldings depict images of plants and animals, as well as the Ruffini Tower, which was demolished at the beginning of the 19th century. The diverse styles of the building offset each other to perfection. The building is now home to the Department of Tourism. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A walk in green meadows |
Benediktstraße Ebenhausen Munich, Bayern 82067 Germany +49 8178 790 http://www.abtei-schaeftlarn.de abtei-schaeftlarn@t-online.de |
Those visiting Schäftlarn would be well advised to take a walk through the lovely countryside before or after a visit to the monastery. Founded in 760, the monastery changed allegiances several times over the centuries, the last time being in 1866 when it was transferred to the Benedictines. Most of the buildings were constructed in 1702-07 according to plans drawn up by Giovanni Antonio Viscardis. The monastery chapel was rebuilt between 1733-57 and provides an excellent example of Bavarian Baroque. The interior contains frescos by Johann Baptist Zimmermann; the altar and pulpit were built by sculptor Johann Baptist Straub. Visitors should make sure that they sample the monks brew in the beer garden. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Munich's Versailles |
Schloss Schleißheim Oberschleißheim Munich, Bayern 85764 Germany +49 89 315 8720 http://www.schloesser.bayern.de/ |
Schloss Schleißheim is a monument to the fantasies of an absolutist ruler and a passionate art collector. Built during the reign of Elector Max Emanuel, the splendid baroque palace was intended as a royal residence, though the Elector himself was forced into exile and never lived here. Building work was begun in 1701 by Zuccalli and continued between 1719-26 by Joseph Effner the Younger. French architectural features are evident in the facade and the building's interior, which is a triumph of elegance. The most impressive rooms are the Große Saal, the Viktoriensaal and the Große Galerie. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Monumental frescos |
Ludwigstraße 20 Maxvorstadt Munich, Bayern 80539 Germany |
St Ludwig's Church was built in the New Roman Byzantine style and boasts of monumental wall paintings. Located opposite the Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan, St Ludwig's towers high over Schellingstrasse. The interior, with frescos by Peter von Cornelius, exudes a peaceful, romantic atmosphere. The fresco 'Das jüngste Gericht', a copy of Michelangelo's 'Jüngstes Gericht' in Rome, is one of the largest frescos ever painted. St.Ludwig's was built in 1829-44 by Friedrich Gärtner and acted as both the university and parish church. It was built at the request of King Ludwig I, who wished a church to be built on the newly constructed Ludwigstraße. The church was heavily damaged during the War, and repair work took until 1958 to complete. Nowadays, St Ludwig's basks in all its splendor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Reminder of war and plague |
Marienplatz Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80331 Germany |
The Mariensäule was built in 1638 to fulfil an oath made by the Elector Maximilian I after Munich was occupied, but not destroyed, by the Swedes under Gustav Adolf during the Thirty Years' War. The column was erected as a reminder of the plague of 1634 in which 7,000 residents, a third of the city's population, died. On the pedestal you can see the baroque symbols for war (lions), hunger (dragons), disbelief (snakes) and the plague (basilisk) being fought (and defeated) by small cherubs. The twelve-metre-high Corinthian column is crowned by 'The Virgin Mary on the Crescent Moon' (late Gothic with Renaissance influences). Originally created in 1593 by Hubert Gerhard for the grave of Duke Wilhelm V, the Virgin Mary symbolises the Queen of Heaven (with a sceptre and crown). The Infant Jesus is depicted holding the imperial orb in his hand. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Largest Renaissance church north of the Alps |
Neuhauser Straße Munich, Bayern 80331 Germany +49 89 2317060 |
One of the most significant Renaissance churches north of the Alps, St. Michael's was originally built for the Jesuits. The inside is lavishly decorated and home to the second largest free-standing vaults in the world. There is an interesting answer as to why the church does not have a tower: when the first tower was destroyed while being built, Duke William V took it as a bad omen and built a much larger church, but without a tower. In the so-called 'royal vault', visitors will come across the resting place of 40 members of the Wittelsbacher royal family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Divine influence |
Pacellistraße 6 Innenstadt Munich, Bayern 80333 Germany +49 89 290 0820 |
There is quite a story to the events that led to the building of the Dreifaltigkeitskirche. During the War of the Spanish Succession, a local girl had a vision that Munich would only be spared if a church were built. For a while the warning went unheeded, but when the city was threatened in 1704, influential citizens decided to follow the girl's divine judgement. The foundation stone was laid in 1711 and the task entrusted to architects Viscardi, Ettenhofer and Zuccalli. The convex late-baroque facade, bearing a mixture of Italian and Bavarian influences, is particularly noteworthy. Works by several noted artists can be found inside, such as the fresco on the ceiling by Cosmas Asam. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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18th century flats for the workers |
Preysingstraße 58 Haidhausen Munich, Bayern 81667 Germany +49 89 480 7679 ingo.glass@muenchen.de |
This 18th century building is one of the few remaining old houses in the district of Haidhausen. With just one floor, it is one of the characteristic shelters or early freehold flats, called 'Herbergen' in southern Germany. They were once very popular in this poor proletarian quarter, and functioned as homes for local workers. In recent years, the area has become very trendy and the houses are now for the wealthy rather than the poor! This particular house shows numerous exhibits detailing life in the Herbergen centuries ago. Temporary exhibitions are also arranged. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Traditional courtyard garden |
Hackenstraße 7 Munich, Bayern 80331 Germany |
The former Rechberg Palace, built by the Duke of Rechberg in 1688 and owned by the Radspieler family since 1848, is a prime example of classical Bavarian architecture. The most famous resident was the poet Heinrich Heine, who lived here in 1827-28. The garden in the courtyard, with its luscious lawns and old trees, is one of the few remaining examples of a traditional, aristocratic Munich garden. The interior was recently renovated. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Monument to King Maxilimilian II Joseph |
Maximilianstraße Rondell Munich, Bayern 80538 Germany |
The monument to King Maximilian II (1811-1864) is located at the eastern end of Maximilianstraße. Maximilian II succeeded Ludwig I who abdicated in 1848 because of the March Revolution and the Lola Montez Affair. Maximilian is regarded as a patron of the sciences and arts, and supported the likes of Paul von Heyse's poetry group, Crocodile, who won a Nobel Prize in 1910. The larger-than-life bronze sculpture was created by Kaspar von Zumbusch in 1875 and depicts the King surrounded by symbols of the four royal virtues and four coats of arms (Bavaria, Swabia, Rheinland-Palatinate and Franconia). Review © 2007, Wcities |