The northerly border of Munich’s old town is marked by this large city square, framed by Italianesque buildings and a Renaissance court garden.
Stroll through Odeonsplatz in central historic Munich to see some of the city’s architectural landmarks and a pocket of ancient Italy. Admire an elegant Baroque church, a Florentine hall and a formal garden in the style of a Renaissance-period court.
Odeonsplatz is named for the former theater that once fronted the square and since transformed into a governmental building. The square is traditionally used for civic events, such as military parades and funeral processions. Odeonsplatz is also known as being the site of the Beer Hall Putsch gunfight in 1923.
Walk through the large public space and check out the collection of intriguing architecture. On Odeonsplatz’s southern border is the magnificent Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshall’s Hall). This mid-19th-century triple-arched Bavarian army monument is based on the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, Italy, and is adorned with sculptures of Bayern lions.
To the west, you’ll see the Theatinerkirche (Theatine Church). This copper-domed church is high Baroque in style and was designed after Rome’s San Andrea del Valle church in the 1660s. Its current Rococo façade was added in the 1700s. Walk east to reach the spacious greenery of the Hofgarten. Created in the early 17th century, the gardens were designed to resemble the grounds of a Renaissance court. Note the domed structure and a bronze sculpture that signifies Bavaria.
Fronting the gardens is the palatial Munich Residenz, a museum complex that showcases the buildings’ original interiors and artworks. Visit Munich’s state museum and the imperial treasury. In the surrounding streets, you will find several historic performing arts venues, including the Bayerisches Nationaltheater, Cuvilliés Theater, Marstall and Residenztheater.
Odeonsplatz is to the north of Munich’s historic center. Reach the square by walking 20 minutes northeast from the city’s main train station, or catch a subway or bus directly to the square’s station. The square is open at any time and is free to visit. You will pass by Odeonsplatz on the annual parade to Oktoberfest if you join in the traditional celebration for the famous beer festival.
