City Information

The settlement, known as Munichen was founded in 1158 by Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony, and was given a city status and fortified 50 years later. The entire city was destroyed by fire in 1372 but was successfully rebuilt by Louis IV, the ruling Holy Roman Emperor of the time. By the 18th century the city had started to grow rapidly and was one of the largest cities of mainland Europe. In 1806 it became the capital of the Bavarian state with the state’s parliament – the Landtag – now sitting in the city. Many of the city’s finest buildings, all coming under the Maximilian style of architecture and named after the reigning kind, Maiximilian II, belong to this period. These buildings include the Ludwigstraße, the Ruhmeshalle, and the Königsplatz built by architects Leo von Klenze and Friedrich von Gartner, and the "Bavaria" statue, built by Schwanthaler

In 1882 electric lighting was introduced to Munich, and the city hosted Germany's first exhibition of electricity. Nineteen years later the Hellabrunn Zoo opened in the city. In November 1918 the Communists took power and established the Munich Soviet Republic to be put down, however, on May 3, 1919. The city became a stronghold of the Nazis in 1933 at which time it became the capital of the movement. Many Führerbauten ("Führer-buildings") were built around the Königsplatz, and some have survived to this day.

The city was very heavily damaged by Allied bombing during WW II. After American occupation in 1945, Munich was rebuilt with meticulous masterplanning Today Munich, Germany’s ‘second city’ is a popular tourist destination. Famous attractions include the Pinakothek art museums and the famous English Garden - - a formal garden park roughly in the center of the city that contains a nudist area, beautiful jogging tracks and much more. There is also the Deutsches Museum (Science Museum), and the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, an ornate clock with moving figures atop the town hall. Perhaps Munich's most famous attraction is the Octoberfest, a 2-week-long fair with many rides and several very large tents. The Oktoberfest was first held on October 12, 1810 in honor of the marriage of crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities were closed with a horse race and in the following years the horse races were continued and later develop into what is now known as the Oktoberfest. Despite its name, Oktoberfest actually begins in September, and is usually timed to end on the first Sunday in October.

The Frauenkirche is the most famous building in the city center. This is Munich's central cathedral and is famous for its twin towers more than 400 years old. At first glance the two towers appear to be the same height but in actual fact, one is slightly taller than the other. These towers are also the measurement for a new rule which limits the height of new buildings to the same height!

Munich offers a varied cultural life. Visitors can choose from 42 theatres, 65 museums collections and galleries, and numerous concert halls – the most notable ones – the National Theatre, the Deutsches Museum – the world's largest museum of technology, – the Pinakothek art galleries, the Munich Philharmonic and Nymphenburg Castle. A recent sensation was the opening of the new Pinakothek der Moderne.

The citizens of Munich demonstrate a cosmopolitan refinement as well as genuine passion for the region’s many traditions. The stereotypical images of lederhosen-clad Bavarians quaffing vast portions of beer and sausage might apply during Oktoberfest, however the city has much more to offer than just light entertainment. With warm summers accommodating lovely garden restaurants and open-air stages and snowy winters with romantic Christmas markets, Munich is a place to visit all year round.

The Stadium

The Allianz Stadium in Munich is the home for Bayern München and TSV 1860 München.

The costs for the stadium would be funded by Bayern München and TSV 1860 München.

It was originally planned to be a reconstruction of hte Olympic Stadium, but was rejected after a local referendum to build a new football stadium in the city of München.

The designs were accepted in 2002 by the architects Herzog & de Meuron. It has a smooth facade as the external shell, with three tiers of seats which make up more than 66,000 people who can fit in the stadium.

For the World Cup 2006, the Allianz Stadium is home for three of the games, including the semi finals match.