Munich, ‘…or should I say Muenchen’, is one of the obvious reasons of The Bavarian Pride. In fact, there are three locations in Bavaria known as ‘Munich’. But we are now focusing on the capital of Bavaria. Survey conducted by the Society’s Centre for Sustainable Destinations for a National Geographic Traveller chose over one-hundred historical places all over the world. In this list Munich was ranked as the thirtieth.
The third largest city of Germany owes its name to the Monks living here in the 12th century. The monk depicted on the city’s coat of arms, therefore, carries the memory of the first inhabitants of the place.
Munich has always been very active in its religious, political and artistic life. It was the centre of many important heroic and tragic historical events. It was here, that students of University of Munich and their professors of philosophy dared to found a resistance group in Nazi Germany of 1942. It was here, that Israeli Athletes were assassinated in the summer Olympics of 1972.
One feels the significance of the city through its rich and diverse architecture too, starting from the town hall and Frauenkirche finishing with Olympiapark and BMW headquarters.
The city was heavily damaged during the bombings of the World War II, but no effort and money was spared to revive Munich, glorious as it was before the war.
Nowadays, it is considered to be the least criminal among other large cities of Germany and has even earned nicknames. Due to its safety and high quality of life, the English-speaking population of Munich has named it a ’Toytown’. Germans themselves call it ’Millionendorf’ - ’a village of millionaires’ as this is one of the richest and most expensive places of the country.
Munich is an excellent destination for any tourist. It is full of life and yet not tiring. The centre is not big, but it is packed with grand historical buildings, interesting shopping opportunities and numerous café-restaurants generously offering Bavarian
atmosphere and freshly brewed bear! However, this atmosphere can be felt already in the street through local people with some of them wearing traditional Bavarian costumes in everyday life. For those who would like to add even more diversity to their trip, could join locals playing street chess. The games are held in the parks and are very popular among the elderly generation of the city.
Still among all attractions of the place a visit to a German restaurant with shared tables and busily rushing waitresses is a must.
If you are a vigorous beer drinker a recommendation would be to visit Munich in the weeks of ‘Octoberfest’ - there beer is drank wildly and non-stop for many days. There among the cheering pints and colourful trachts one will need no words to perceive what it’s like when ‘Munich loves you’.
