Alter Hof Munich
Germany - Cologne - Dusseldorf - Frankfurt - Munich - Stuttgart - Hamburg - Berlin
Address: Burgstraße 8
Munich, Bayern, Germany
80331
Neighbourhood: Altstadt
This castle, the former royal residence of the Bavarian royal family since 1253, was built to the north-east of the city so as to protect the Louis IV Holy Roman Emperor against possible uprisings by the citizens of Munich. This palace was the original medieval residence of the Wittelsbachs, the ruling dynasty established in 1180. 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. The buildings have been reconstructed several times over the centuries, most notably in the nineteenth century and after the Second World War.
The palace now serves as a local government office. The west wing has become home to the Vinorant Alter Hof, a fine restaurant and wine cellar.
The Alte Hof (Old Court) consists of five wings Burgstock, Zwingerstock, Lorenzistock, Pfisterstock and Brunnenstock. Archeological excavations have shown that a castle already existed there already in the 12th century. After the first partition of Bavaria in 1255 the Alte Hof became the residence of Louis II, Duke of Bavaria.
The St. Lorenz Chapel at the north side, which demolished in the 19th century, once housed the Imperial Regalia. After some uprisings the castle became too unsafe and the Wittelsbach moved to the Residenz. From the 15th century onwards the castle was only seat of several governmental departments.
After destructions in World War II the castle was reconstructed. As of 2006, portions of it are being redeveloped to serve as offices and luxury apartments.
The nearest station from the place is Nationaltheater. To reach there you can take Tram no. 19; or from Marienplatz take S1-S8, U3, U6, or Bus 52.
For further information click onto the following links:
Bavarian royal family
Louis IV Holy Roman Emperor
Gothic bay window
Medieval buildings
Vinorant Alter Hof
Fine restaurant and wine cellar
The St. Lorenz Chapel
Residenz
Governmental departments
Destructions in World War II
