ITALIAN STYLE: The Residenz' front facade bears a striking resemblance to the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence. Its rusticated stonework is meant to convey strength and power.
RUB FOR LUCK: The lions on Residenz Strasse.
The palace complex faces onto Max-Joseph-Platz, just across from Munich’s opera house. The western side faces Residenz Strasse, lined with bronze lions that you're supposed to rub for luck. To the north is the geometrically unassailable Hofgarten (Royal Garden). The Residenz houses four museums which you have to visit individually. Most of the old royal rooms are now part of the main Munich Residenz Museum. There's also the Schatzkammer der Residenz (Residenz Treasury), the Cuvilliés-Theater (also called the Old Residenz Theatre) and the Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst (Egyptian Art Museum). Reserve three or four hours to soak up just the Residenz Museum and the Treasury.
HALL OF FAME: The Antiquarium was used for royal banquets. It’s the oldest surviving part of the Residenz and the largest Renaissance ceremonial hall north of the Alps. Pic: © Wilfried Hoesl / FVAmuc
AHEAD OF HIS TIME: The Perseus statue in the Grottenhof (Grotto Courtyard) of the Munich Residenz. The courtyard was designed by Friedrich Sustris in the Mannerist style.
GOLDEN ARTIFACTS? PRICELESS: There's enough booty in the Shatzkammer der Residenz to fill any pirate’s chest.
GRAND: You can still catch a show at the Residenz' Cuvilliés Theatre. Pic:CC Kent Wang
GREENERY: Me in the Hofgarten during spring.
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