Munich
The Munich Residenz was the home and seat of government of the Wittelsbach family from 1508 to 1918. Its main entrance is on Max-Joseph-Platz.
From water castle to royal palace
The first core was the Neuveste, a Gothic castle surrounded by water.
Over the centuries the palace grew in Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles. It is the largest city palace in Germany.
What to look at from outside
The Königsbau, on the square, was built for King Ludwig I.
On the west side is the façade of Prince-Elector Maximilian I. Until the 1800s it was the only one visible from the street.
Between the two doorways stands a statue of the Madonna: people say she protects Bavaria. Four bronze lions stand in front of the doorways.
The Königsbau stands where a friars' convent used to be, demolished in 1802. The king wanted it as his home, facing the city.
Halls, courtyards and treasures
The first new part was the Antiquarium, finished in 1571 for the dukes' ancient statues. Today more than a thousand people can sit in the concert hall.
There is also the Wittelsbach treasury, with jewels, gold dishes and precious objects from many centuries.
