category of places

Alter Hof

About

The Alter Hof, nestled in Munich’s Old Town just steps from Marienplatz, is the city’s oldest royal residence and a landmark steeped in over 800 years of history. Built in the 13th century under Duke Ludwig II, it served as the first seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty and later became the imperial residence of Ludwig IV, Holy Roman Emperor. The complex blends Gothic and Renaissance elements, its five wings enclosing a tranquil courtyard that once echoed with courtly life. Among its most famous features is the “Affenturm” or Monkey Tower, linked to a colourful legend about a mischievous pet and a future emperor. Over the centuries, the Alter Hof evolved from fortress to administrative centre, surviving wartime destruction and careful post-war reconstruction. Today, it houses exhibitions, shops, and cafés, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Munich’s medieval past while remaining a lively part of the modern cityscape.

Munich Germany

Location

Alter Hof is located at Alter Hof 1, 80331 Munich, right in the heart of the historic Old Town, just north of Marienplatz and down Burgstraße toward the Residenz. As the first imperial residence of the Wittelsbach family from the 13th century, this remarkable site preserves a piece of Munich’s medieval architecture, complete with the legendary Monkey Tower and a permanent multimedia exhibition in its basement about the building’s storied past. After significant reconstruction post-World War II, Alter Hof blends its historic legacy with a modern atmosphere, now home to various stores, offices, an information center, and cafes. The area is surrounded by key city attractions including Marienplatz, the New Town Hall, Old Town Hall, Residenz, the Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera), and specialty museums like the Bier- und Oktoberfest Museum and the Spielzeugmuseum, all within a very short walking distance. Vibrant shopping venues and eateries also enrich the neighborhood, making Alter Hof a lively and accessible historical destination at Munich’s core.

Alter Hof

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