There are things that will forever remind me of our other homes. Now, whenever I see a dahlia, I automatically think of Denmark. To be honest, I wasn’t fond of them before we moved there, they weren’t that fashionable at the time in the UK, and most people associated them with old people’s gardens…
Then, that first September we arrived, Copenhagen was suddenly full of them, sold by the bucket load in big hand-tied bunches on market stalls and outside Supermarkets for around 60Kroner. They quickly became a firm favourite, and the house was constantly full of them (after giving them a shake for earwigs of course, not that I have ever seen one in a dahlia, I am beginning to think this is an old wive’s tale…).
As for Munich, it will forever be Chestnut Trees – as prevalent as they are in the city for keeping the biergartens cool. They are in full bloom in England right now (I have a couple on my doorstep in fact), and I am constantly reminded of our old home. I am missing it a lot right now, it’s hard not to at this time of year…
One place that I haven’t ever written about before now is Munich’s Residenz, somewhere I spent many hours wandering. The very last time I visited, we had just had the news that we would be returning to the UK. I was on a guided tour with a large group of friends (primarily to take photos – plenty to follow!) and I was able to hide behind a camera for a lot of that visit at the thought of all the goodbyes to come…
If you happen to find yourself with a free day in Munich, a visit to the Residenz is most definitely worth it. With gothic castle foundations (dating back to 1385) it expanded way beyond that to over 130 rooms and 10 courtyards housing the Seat of Governance and Bayerish Dukes and Kings from 1508 to 1918.
A lot of what you can see nowadays has obviously been rebuilt after the war, but it’s still impressive as Palaces go, and many visitors walk straight past without even knowing what’s inside. Should you happen to wonder what’s behind those huge doors, the following images should give you a bit of an idea…
Recently The Residenz has become a little “insta famous” thanks to its magnificent Hall of Antiquities, but those that want to come to take pictures of that usually visit that part alone, so visit that as early as you can during your visit, and head to the Treasury afterwards to appreciate the royal fineries. Look out for the bejewelled Rennaissance statue of George and The Dragon, and the many ancient crowns.
Other must-see areas are the Grotto created out of thousands of seashells, and which I can’t quite decide whether I love or hate, and the 17th century red and gold theatre.
A few of these can only be seen on a guided tour by the way, and as it’s the best way to learn about a place, you should book one of these anyway.
I will definitely be revisiting The Residenz before the Horse Chestnut Trees lose their leaves later in the year anyway…
PS. If you happen to visit during Christmas Market Season, you should definitely go to the little Christkindlmarkt in the Courtyard here, before heading to the Weinkellar for lunch…
What a stunning place – I can see why you highlighted it! It made me laugh what you said about dahlias – my mum always grew them and she found the whole trend of them hilarious ‘have you seen how much they sell for?!’ #culturedkids
So funny how these things go in and out of fashion isn’t it? Thanks Megan! :) x
We loved the Munich Residenz and I found the Hall of Antiquities impossible to photograph in a flattering manner too! Heather in pots and ornamental cabbage are what remind me of Germany, they were everywhere when I arrived to live in Mannheim and I had never seen either before. #CulturedKids
I was with too many people to spend the amount of time I would have liked to have done to take a decent photo of it last visit! :D So funny you should say that about the heather and the cabbages, it’s so true! I had no idea you lived in Mannheim! :) x
Munich for us is always been very short breaks pre or apres skiing or Oktoberfest, we obv need to fix that as there’s lots of arty treats! #CulturedKids
Oh you must go for a few days next time! :) x
It’s an interesting mix of sober and ornate! I’d never heard of it and now would like to go and take a look, and perhaps have a drink afterwards under the chestnut trees #culturedkids
Oh you must. Part of the building is actually a lovely Wine Kellar! :D Thank you Nancy! x
Such a lovely post, really great photos! I love dahlias too, they’re so colourful. #CulturedKids
Thank you Mandy! :)
What an unusual range of styles, that shell grotto looks Asian. Definitely one to add to the Munich list! #culturedkids
It does doesn’t it? Thanks Phoebe! :)
I loved Munich and I remember the Christkindlmarket on the square. It brought back lovely memories. I would love to visit Residnenz inside. The photographs are beautiful, my personal favourite is the bejewelled statue of George and dragon. Thanks for this lovely post. #culturedkids p.s Dahlia s are my husbands favourite
Thanks so much Usha! It’s a special city! :)
such a beautiful palace/museum #culturedkids
Thank you Tanja! :)
Just beautiful #CulturedKids
Thanks Lydia! :)
So many goodies to see at The Residenz – the Hall of Antiquities! And the Grotto! Swoon. #CULTUREDKIDS
Thanks Scarlett! :)
It all sounds so lovely xxx
It really is! Shame we didn’t go together when we lived there! :D xxx