Munich
We selected Le Meridian hotel because it was one of very few that had AC. It’s close proximity to the Munich Hauptbahnhof (transportation station) was an obvious plus as well. This was important given our plans for day trips outside of Munich by rail travel. The added bonus was the convenience stores and food vendors. Each morning, breakfast was a short walk away. The pretzel with butter and sliced Camembert cheese was an instant favorite and breakfast for most of the week. At €2.70 it was hard to beat. Pair that with a hot cup of coffee or even a beer and you are set for the morning.
Day 3 -Bayerstraße Stroll –
Marienplatz & Glockenspiel
Our first full day in Munich. We made our way along Bayerstraße toward Marienplatz to see Rathaus-Glockenspiel. Marienplatz is the central square in Old Town. The magnificent neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus is absolutely stunning to experience in person.
The Rathaus-Glockenspiel of Munich is a tourist attraction in Marienplatz, the heart of Munich.
Part of the second construction phase of the New Town Hall, it dates from 1908. Every day at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. it chimes and re-enacts two stories from the 16th century to the amusement of mass crowds of tourists and locals. It consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures.
The top half of the Glockenspiel
It tells the story of the marriage of the local Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine. In honor of the happy couple there is a joust with life-sized knights on horseback representing Bavaria and Lothringen . The Bavarian knight wins every time, of course.
The bottom half of the Glockenspiel
Tells the second story: Schäfflertanz . According to myth, 1517 was a year of plague in Munich. The coopers are said to have danced through the streets to “bring fresh vitality to fearful dispositions.” The coopers remained loyal to the duke, and their dance came to symbolize perseverance and loyalty to authority through difficult times. By tradition, the dance is performed in Munich every seven years. This was described in 1700 as “an age-old custom”, but the current dance was defined only in 1871. The dance can be seen during Fasching.
The whole show lasts somewhere between 12 and 15 minutes long depending on which tune it plays that day. At the very end of the show, a very small golden rooster at the top of the Glockenspiel chirps quietly three times, marking the end of the spectacle. – wikipedia
There is so much to see in and around the town center. It is very much alive with activity, tourist and locals alike. The Town Hall itself was spectacular; very ornate. There is quite a variety of gargoyles all over the structure. The sculptures and fountains in the square were quite interesting as well.
Early dinner at Kilian’s Irish Pub. The food was wonderful. The salad was Baked Goats Cheese and Figs with Rocket and Baby Spinach, with blanched Asparagus, Mixed Olives, Sun-dried Tomatoes with Balsamic Dressing. The Gnocchi was prepared with Sauteed Spinach in a Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Sauce with Goats Cheese and Toasted Pine Nuts.
EXTRA
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