Karlsplatz-Stachus

Hemming in the western end of the Altstadt is Karlsplatz, a massive city square and one of the busiest junctions in Munich.
A ground-level fountain dominates the square and sprays out light relief on hot summer days. It’s turned into a tacky ice-skating rink for kids in the winter.

BLITHE: An English mate of mine after running through the fountain at Karlsplatz during summer.

On the western side is the Karlstor (Karl’s Gate), one of three remaining medieval city gates. It’s the start of the pedestrian zone that runs through to Munich’s main square, Marienplatz.

The square takes its official name from Karl Theodor, an unpopular Bavarian ruler who tore down most of the old city walls, pissing off most of Munich's citizenry.
They still seem to bear a grudge and the square is commonly referred to as Stachus, the name of a former pub on the square.

To the north-west of Karlsplatz is the Justizpalast (Palace of Justice), an over-the-top Renaissance courthouse finished in 1898.
Munich students Hans and Sophie Scholl were tried there and condemned to death after distributing anti-Nazi leaflets during World War II.

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