Munich Residenz, Munich, Germany

The Munich Residenz is the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs of the House of Wittelsbach. The Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany and is today open to visitors for its architecture, room decorations, and displays from the former royal collections.

The complex of buildings contains ten courtyards and displays 130 rooms. A wing of the Festsaalbau contains the Cuvilliés Theatre since the reconstruction of the Residenz after World War II. It also houses the Herkulessaal, the primary concert venue for the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. The Byzantine Court Church of All Saints at the east side is facing the Marstall, the building for the former Court Riding School and the royal stables.

he Munich Residence served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors and kings from 1508 to 1918. What began in 1385 as a castle in the north-eastern corner of the city, was transformed by the rulers over the centuries into a magnificent palace, its buildings and gardens extending further and further into the town.

The rooms and art collections spanning a period that begins with the Renaissance, and extends via the early Baroque and Rococo epochs to Neoclassicism, bear witness to the discriminating taste and the political ambition of the Wittelsbach dynasty.

Much of the Residence was destroyed during the Second World War, and from 1945 it was gradually reconstructed.

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Munich Residence

User Reviews

Colin Warner (2 months ago)
So, I reviewed Nymphenberg Palace the other day. Turns out that was just the summer house for the Bavarian royal family. The Residence, as you might guess from the name, was the family home. Oh boy! It is utterly amazing. For one thing, it is huge - expect to lose a good few hours exploring the whole complex. For another, it is spectacular! Room after room of such extraordinary decor, with period art and furniture. Entry was an absolute bargain at 10 euros and included an audio guide.

Katerina Shestak (2 months ago)
The Munich Residence is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and art. The palace is stunning, with beautifully decorated rooms, elegant halls, and impressive collections of artwork and treasures. Each room has its own unique charm, and the detailed architecture is breathtaking. The Residenz also offers insights into Bavarian royalty and history. It’s a great place to spend a few hours exploring. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Munich!

Josh Baltazar (2 months ago)
One of the old palaces from the ruling monarch and family of Bavaria. Huge palace and it’s nice they give you opportunities to do a short tour, medium tour, long tour, or a longer tour. Also the audio guide was included with the ticket so that was nice to guide us through what to see. Overall well marked areas, interesting content and would recommend for visitors to see.

Gerhard L (3 months ago)
As far as Palace experiences go this one is impressive with lots of details, interesting displays and a good audio guide to describe items on demand. You can finish the tour in less time than the advertised duration on the ticket sale board outside if you do not listen to everything on the audio guide. There are seats throughout for people who may need it, to take a rest. You can buy tickets at the door and on most days won't have too long a queue. Send me a like if this review was helpful.

R K (3 months ago)
The best and most strikingly and shockingly beautiful royal palace I've ever seen in Europe. As I walk into each room I was awestruck only to be further awestruck at the next room and onwards. It is unbelievable how pretty and regal this place is and enriched with so much history.

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