Munich - Marienplatz

Date: 14th April 2014

If you spot this, worry less, as you have reach the main entrance to the Marienplatz

There is Stephanplatz in Vienna, Stephan's square that we visited on Saturday, 12th April. On Sunday the 13th, we were in Salzburg Mirabellplatz @ Mirabell Square and on Monday, 14h April we again in another square. This time was Munich Central Square or known in local name as Marienplatz. 3 squares in 3 cities in 3 days, how nice can it be, how tiresome, how hectic the journey. Marienplatz is a square located in the city centre of Munich, Germany which central square also refers to Mary’s Square. It has been the city's main square since 1158. According to the history book, in the Middle Ages, markets and tournaments were held in this city square. Marienplatz was named after the Mariensaule, a Marian column erected in its centre in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation. Since we were there from morning till afternoon, there were 2 different results between 2 photos when it was snap at the clouded dark morning sky and when the lights came out to play. We may able to compare the quality of the above photo (morning time) and below (afternoon) as a result of depending 100% on natural lights.

The new and old Rathaus visible in this photo

Today the Marienplatz is dominated by an astonishing view of the New City Hall (Neues Rathaus) on the north side. The Glockenspiel in the tower of the new city hall was inspired by these tournaments, and draws millions of tourists a year. At the east side is where the Munich's Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus) is located. It's a gothic council hall and ballroom and tower, which have been reconstructed.

The pedestrian zone between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz is a crowded area with numerous shops and restaurants. The Marienplatz S-Bahn and U-Bahn station, an important transportation hub, is located below the square. It was where we caught up trying to figure out how to go to the Marienplatz as mentioned in earlier entry. Both photos above was snapped when we saw the squares clearly as after we get up to the ground.

Mariensaule @ Marian column erected right in front of New and Old Rathaus

The Mariensaule @ Marian column was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation during the 30 Years' War and is topped by a golden statue of the Virgin Mary standing on a crescent moon as the Queen of Heaven, created in 1590. The figure was originally located in the Frauenkirche. Mariensaule in Munich was the first column of this type built north of the Alps and inspired erecting other Marian columns in this part of Europe.

Glockenspiel, Mariensaule and 1 out of 4 statue of putto seen in 1 photo, captured by Anne

At each corner of the column's pedestal is a statue of a putto, created by Ferdinand Murmann. The 4 putti are each depicted fighting a different beast, symbolizing the city's overcoming of adversities: war represented by the lion, pestilence by the cockatrice, hunger or famine by the dragon and heresy by the serpent. There are many more heritage buildings in the central square that you may enjoy the results of architectural genius works. I was and very much enjoy the whole area which now turns into shops and restaurants mainly to attract tourist and local visitors to the square.  Let us enjoy what's more you can find in Marienplatz.

We spent remaining hours after we have done with the main list of itinerary (skipping Alliance Arena stadium), shopping, taking cold wind as an excuse to take a shed at those lovely shops. Therefore, make sure you are ready for shopping adventure when coming to this place.