Munich – Residence of the Wittelsbachs

The first Wittelsbach duke to the throne in Bavaria was named Otto, but the hit rate is still quite high if you answer the question "What was the name of the Bavarian ruler?" in Munich with Max or Ludwig! In fact, over 700 years ago, a Ludwig with the dubious nickname "the Strict" laid the foundation for what would later become the royal seat of Munich when he had a medieval fortress built here. Today, this fortress is known as the "Alter Hof" (Old Court) and as the annual backdrop for the Franconian Wine Festival—or as the Imperial Castle, because it was here that Ludwig "the Bavarian" ruled in the first half of the 14th century. As emperor, he placed our city at the center of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.

In the 14th century, the ruling family was forced to move to the so-called Neuveste, which is considered the initial building for today's residence. A conglomerate of diverse architectural styles, which can be admired from the outside in the quiet courtyards, it bears witness to the different eras that shaped the Wittelsbach reign.

At the end of the Renaissance in the 16th century, staunch dukes defended the Catholic faith and thus elevated their land to the status of an electorate. The following generations lived in Baroque splendor, and at the height of absolutism, the Bavarian Elector Karl Albrecht learned that pride comes before a fall, even for the Wittelsbachs! The Enlightenment and the French Revolution led to the opening of the Court Garden, which offers us particularly beautiful views of the palace.

Then, in 1806, the big bombshell: Bavaria was elevated to a kingdom by Napoleon's grace and acquired its present size. Naturally, a monarch wouldn't hold back, building grandiose theaters and pompous boulevards, or sprucing up the Residenz palace with neoclassical facades. If dreams soar even higher, like those of the legendary King Ludwig II, they'd happily treat themselves to a palm-covered winter garden on the roof of the palace—but where is that today?

Perhaps Prince Regent Luitpold, who assumed the reign after the fairytale king's death to shape the "good old days" in Munich, had something to do with it? Of course, only handpicked businessmen can guarantee appropriate quality in cuisine and furnishings, which is why they wanted to rely solely on the Royal Bavarian Court Purveyors. But even the Bavarian ruling house fell after more than 700 years of rule when Kurt Eisner proclaimed the Free State of Bavaria in the revolutionary year of 1918.

If you're under the impression that only male Wittelsbachs could play a role in our group, you're obviously mistaken – duchesses, queens, princesses, and noblewomen are just as much in attendance as some ladies of lesser social standing! Prepare to be surprised!