KÖNIGSPLATZ

A touch of the ancient world in the heart of Munich. In the early ^19th century, King Ludwig ^I of Bavaria commissioned the construction of this "royal square", inspired by the architecture of ancient Greek temples. The monarch, fascinated by ancient Greece, wanted to make this square the main entrance to the west of the city, while building a forum dedicated to the arts. "I will not rest until Munich resembles Athens", he declared on taking office in 1825.

Designed by Karl von Fischer and built by Leo von Klenze, this symmetrical square has all the hallmarks of a neoclassical agora, framed by three Greek temple-like buildings: the Propylaea(Propyläen) to the west, inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, the Glyptothek(Glyptothek) to the north and theAntikensammlung (Collection of Ancient Art) to the south, like two temples facing each other. The three buildings form a harmonious whole in which styles interact: the Doric colonnade of the propylaea is matched by the Ionic colonnade of the Glyptothek, which faces the Corinthian colonnade of the Antikensammlung.

Königsplatz also symbolizes the close ties between Bavaria and the new Greek state, whose fight for independence received financial support from Ludwig ^I. This episode in the Greek revolt against the Ottoman yoke is recounted in the friezes on the towers of the propylaea. The first king of the Greeks, Otto I, was a Bavarian prince of the Wittelsbach family, second son of Ludwig ^I.

Königsplatz has also seen darker times. In 1935, Adolf Hitler had the square completely covered in granite so that he could hold parades. He also built temples to honor those who died in the Beer Hall Putsch of 1923, at the eastern end of the square. And in Arcisstraße, right next to these temples, was the entrance to Hitler's Führerbau, completed in 1937. The former Nazi public building now houses the Hochschule für Musik und Theater. After the Second World War, during which Königsplatz suffered extensive damage from Allied bombing raids, the square was mainly used for car parking, and only regained its original appearance in the late 1980s.

Today, Königsplatz is once again a noble, green and pleasant place to take a breath of fresh air and soak up the sun. In summer, open-air concerts and film events are regularly held here.