The Munich Residenz is a former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs located in the center of Munich, Germany. It was the main residence of the rulers of Bavaria from 1508 until the end of the monarchy in 1918. Today, it is one of the largest palace complexes in Europe and houses several museums and galleries.
The palace was originally built in the 14th century as a castle, but it was transformed into a palace by Duke Wilhelm V in the late 16th century. The palace underwent several expansions and renovations over the centuries, with the most significant changes made by the Baroque architect Johann Fischer von Erlach in the early 18th century.
The Munich Residenz features over 130 rooms, including the magnificent Antiquarium, the largest Renaissance hall north of the Alps, the ornate Rococo-style Ancestral Gallery, and the richly decorated Steinerner Saal (Stone Hall). The palace also has several courtyards and gardens, including the Renaissance-style Court Garden and the Baroque-style Ornamental Garden.
In addition to its architectural and artistic treasures, the Munich Residenz also houses several museums and galleries, including the Treasury with its impressive collection of jewels, the Cuvilliés Theatre with its lavish Rococo interiors, and the Bavarian State Collection of Porcelain, among others.
The Munich Residenz is open to visitors year-round, and guided tours are available in multiple languages. It is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Bavarian monarchs and the history of Munich and Bavaria.