Zone: Around the Old Town

The Hofgarten, or Princely Court Gardens, is the oldest park in Munich. These gardens were laid out for the Dukes of Bavaria in the early 17th century, along an Italian model. Later the layout of the gardens was continuous remodeled – and then during the bombardment Munich suffered in the Second World War, they were almost entirely obliterated. Today, however, the park is once again popular with visitors – its closeness to the centre of the city makes it a favourite place for a stroll with both locals and visitors alike. During our walk today we will see not only the Munich residence of the Kings of Bavaria, but also the the Temple of Diana; the National and Chamber theatres; the Old Stables, a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture which has survived in Munich; the Old Court, the main residence of the Dukes of Bavaria during the Medieval era; the Prater Island, and the Maximilianeum – the home of the Federal Parliament of the Land of Bavaria.