Nymphenburg is a European masterpiece, a story book of Bavarian history and an example of architecture and landscape design in seldom-seen harmony.
Has there ever been a more beautiful new baby gift? The Bavarian
Elector Ferdinand Maria was so delighted at the birth of a much
longed-for heir to his throne that he gave his wife Adelaide von Savoyen
a piece of land. That was in 1663, and the Wittelsbach Electress
Henriette Adelaide von Savoyen built herself a "borgo de la ninfe", a
small summer villa with a garden. This was the predecessor of
Nymphenburg Palace. At the start of the 18th century the building was
extended on both sides, with residential pavilions connected by
galleries being added. The exterior was remodelled in the French style
and the modest palace transformed into a large, elegant summer
residence. Visiting Nymphenburg Palace today is like taking a walk
through a book of Bavarian history. The Kings and Electors of Bavaria
left their traces here over a period of almost two hundred years. The
first heated indoor pool of the modern age and the silver-blue
Amalienburg hunting lodge from the rococo period are elements of a
perfect baroque palace and offer an extravagant yet delicate richness of
detail in a rare splendour. In the north wing of Nymphenburg Palace is
the Museum of Man and Nature, which takes you on a journey back in time
through the history of the Earth and mankind. Nearby attractions:
Hofgarten Park Munich
is one of the largest Renaissance gardens north of the Alps. In the
north-east of the garden, there is a path that takes visitors straight
to the English Garden. To the north of Munich, Lustheim House in the grounds of Schleissheim Palace contains a famous collection of historical Meissen porcelain. South of Munich
is Am Schachen House, which was used by King Ludwig II as a private
retreat during his stays in the mountains. A botanical Alpine garden was
laid out in front of the house in 1900.
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