Odeonsplatz a Monaco di Baviera: Info su piazza, Feldherrnhalle, chiesa e Residenz

Italian flair between the Old Town and Ludwigstraße

Odeonsplatz marks the transition between the historic Old Town and Ludwigstraße. Its distinctive appearance comes from the interplay of Italian-influenced Baroque and Munich Neoclassicism.

The Feldherrnhalle is modeled on the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, the Theatinerkirche draws on Roman High Baroque, and the Hofgarten on Italian Renaissance gardens. The former Odeon concert hall and the Palais Leuchtenberg also borrow motifs from Italian palace architecture. The arcades of the Bazar Building reinforce the feel of a southern piazza.

This architectural closeness to Italy is largely due to King Ludwig I. His passion for Italian art shaped Odeonsplatz, Ludwigstraße, and other parts of Munich's Neoclassical city expansion. Even while the Feldherrnhalle is being renovated, a visit is worthwhile for the Theatinerkirche, the Residenz, and the adjoining Hofgarten.

👉 At Odeonsplatz, several of Munich's most important sights sit just steps apart in a square setting inspired by Florence and Rome.

La chiesa Theatiner

Se si guarda a sinistra dai gradini della Feldherrnhalle, si erge l'imponente facciata della chiesa di San Kajetan, comunemente conosciuta come chiesa di Theatiner. Fu costruita alla fine del XVII secolo nello stile del tardo barocco italiano. 

Particolarmente impressionante è la facciata esterna di colore giallo brillante, che può essere vista da lontano. Oltre alle due grandi torri e alla possente cupola, è particolarmente impressionante anche l'interno: riccamente decorato con stucchi ed elementi di colonne corinzie, è prevalentemente in bianco.

Cosa vedere a Odeonsplatz

L'Odeonsplatz è sia il confine settentrionale della zona pedonale che il punto di partenza della Ludwigstraße. Molte delle migliori attrazioni di Monaco si trovano direttamente sulla piazza:

• Salite i gradini di fronte alla neoclassica Feldherrnhalle (Loggia dei Marescialli) e godetevi la splendida vista su Odeonsplatz e Ludwigsstraße.
• Un altro punto culminante è la facciata esterna giallo brillante della Theatinerkirche, che può essere vista da lontano.
• Direttamente su Odeonsplatz c'è anche il più grande palazzo cittadino della Germania: la Residenz di Monaco.
• Nel vicino parco Hofgarten (Giardino della Corte) si può passeggiare, rilassarsi e giocare a bocce.

The view along Ludwigstraße to the Siegestor

From the southern part of the square, the view opens up past the equestrian statue of Ludwig I and along Ludwigstraße to the Siegestor (Victory Gate). The Feldherrnhalle and the Siegestor form the two monumental endpoints of this grand boulevard.

Ludwigstraße was built in the 19th century based on plans by Leo von Klenze and Friedrich von Gärtner. It is lined by the Bavarian State Library, Ludwig Maximilian University, and the Ludwigskirche, among others. Beyond the Siegestor, it becomes Leopoldstraße.

This visual axis is one of Munich's most impressive cityscapes. It shows especially clearly the transition from the small-scale Old Town to the generously planned Maxvorstadt.

👉 From Odeonsplatz, the view stretches along Ludwigstraße for about one kilometer (0.6 miles) to the Siegestor.

La Residenza di Monaco di Baviera

Direttamente su Odeonsplatz si trova l'ala ovest del più grande palazzo urbano della Germania: la Residenz (Residenza). Con la pomposa Sala d'Ercole, il Tesoro e molte stanze storiche, è una destinazione popolare nel centro della città.

Da Odeonsplatz si raggiungono due impressionanti cortili del palazzo: il Kaiserhof e il Kapellenhof. Tra le altre cose, si possono vedere preziosi tesori d'arte come gioielli reali o scrigni nobili. La sera, nella Residenz hanno spesso luogo concerti classici e moderni.

Hofgarten: A Renaissance garden next to Odeonsplatz

Through the Hofgarten Gate, you can walk directly from Odeonsplatz into the Hofgarten. The garden was laid out beginning in 1613 under Duke Maximilian I, following the model of Italian Renaissance gardens.

At its center stands the Diana Temple (Dianatempel), from which eight paths radiate through the garden. Gravel paths, fountains, flower beds, and numerous benches make the Hofgarten a popular spot in the city center.

In summer, musicians occasionally perform around the Diana Temple, and dance groups use the pavilion and its surroundings. From the Hofgarten, paths continue to the Bavarian State Chancellery, the Haus der Kunst, and the Englischer Garten (English Garden).

👉 The Hofgarten connects Odeonsplatz with the Residenz and the southern part of the Englischer Garten.

Bazar Building and Hofgarten Gate

The Bazar Building (Bazargebäude), designed by Leo von Klenze, borders the actual Odeonsplatz to the east. It was built on the site of the former royal riding school.

Its long arcades visually connect the square with the Hofgarten Gate and reinforce the feel of an Italian piazza. The building houses, among other things, the long-established Café Tambosi.

The Hofgarten Gate was built in 1816 and is one of Leo von Klenze's early Munich works. It forms the direct passage between Odeonsplatz and the Hofgarten.

Geographically, the Bazar Building clearly belongs to the actual Odeonsplatz. For most visitors, however, the Theatinerkirche, Feldherrnhalle, Residenz, and Hofgarten take center stage.

👉 The Bazar Building with its arcades forms the eastern wall of the actual Odeonsplatz and the transition to the Hofgarten.

The former Odeon and the Palais Leuchtenberg

The square is named after the former Odeon concert hall, built by Leo von Klenze between 1826 and 1828. The concert and ballroom venue was barely recognizable from the outside, because Klenze designed its facade as a mirror image of the neighboring Palais Leuchtenberg.

The Odeon was heavily damaged in World War II. The historic concert hall was not rebuilt during reconstruction. Today, the building houses the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior.

The neighboring Palais Leuchtenberg was originally built for Eugène de Beauharnais, Napoleon's stepson and the son-in-law of Bavaria's King Max I Joseph. Today it houses the Bavarian Ministry of Finance.

The facades of both buildings draw on the Italian Renaissance and echo motifs of the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.

👉 Odeonsplatz bears the name of a former concert hall whose building today houses the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior.

The two monumental flagpoles

In front of the Feldherrnhalle stand two richly decorated flagpoles, each about 26 meters (about 85 feet) tall. They commemorate the 100th birthday of King Ludwig I and the 70th birthday of Prince Regent Luitpold.

The poles are crowned by a Bavarian Lion and a Münchner Kindl, the "Munich Child" from the city's coat of arms. Accordingly, they usually fly Bavaria's white-and-blue state colors and Munich's black-and-gold city colors.

The flagpoles date from the late 19th century and were thus erected long before the Nazi era. They are part of the square ensemble's landmarked features.

👉 The two 26-meter (85-foot) flagpoles in front of the Feldherrnhalle, topped by the Bavarian Lion and the Münchner Kindl, represent Bavaria and its capital.

Equestrian statue of King Ludwig I

On the northern part of the square stands the equestrian statue of King Ludwig I. The City of Munich erected it in 1862 in honor of the king, who had been the driving force behind the development of Odeonsplatz and Ludwigstraße.

Ludwig I is shown on horseback with crown and scepter. The accompanying figures represent justice and perseverance. Further allegories refer to religion, poetry, industry, and architecture.

To make room for the equestrian statue, two composers' monuments previously located on Odeonsplatz were relocated. The statues of Christoph Willibald Gluck and Orlando di Lasso have stood on Promenadeplatz ever since.

👉 The equestrian statue erected in 1862 commemorates King Ludwig I as the most important patron of Odeonsplatz and Ludwigstraße.

Curiosa storia di Monaco: Il Drückebergergasserl

Il 9 novembre 1923, i putschisti di destra (tra cui Adolf Hitler) marciarono verso la Feldherrnhalle e furono fermati con la forza dalla polizia statale bavarese. La sparatoria provocò feriti e morti da entrambe le parti.

Dopo che i nazionalsocialisti presero il potere nel 1933, fu eretto un memoriale sul lato est della Feldherrnhalle con i nomi dei putschisti uccisi. Una guardia d'onore delle SS stava lì giorno e notte, controllando che ogni passante esprimesse il suo apprezzamento sotto forma di un saluto a Hitler. Da allora, molti abitanti di Monaco evitarono questa parte della Residenzstrasse e girarono dietro la Feldherrnhalle in Viscardigasse, che all'altra estremità conduce in Theatinerstrasse. Ecco perché questo piccolo vicolo è chiamato Drückebergergasserl (vicolo degli evasori) dagli abitanti di Monaco.

Cosa significa il nome "Odeonsplatz"

"Odeonsplatz". Non c'è nessun Odeon, da dove viene allora il nome? L'Odeon era una volta la più famosa sala da concerto di Monaco e si trovava nella parte nord-ovest della piazza di fronte al Palais Leuchtenberg. Sfortunatamente, la sala da concerto andò distrutta durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale, tranne la facciata.

I lavori di ricostruzione riuscirono a salvarla, ma l'Odeon andò perso per sempre. Le dimensioni della sala da concerto sono oggi visibili attraverso il cortile coperto del Ministero dell'Interno bavarese, che ha qui la sua sede.

Eventi a Odeonsplatz

Insieme a Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz è uno dei principali luoghi di Monaco dove si svolgono concerti o eventi culturali:

• Durante il Festival della Fondazione della città in giugno, Odeonsplatz si trasforma in un mercato dell'artigianato.
• All'inizio di luglio si svolgono ogni anno i popolari concerti all'aperto Klassik am Odeonsplatz.
• Due volte all'anno c'è lo Streetlife Festival, che si estende attraverso la Ludwigstrasse fino a Odeonsplatz.

Which streets connect to Odeonsplatz?

To the north, Odeonsplatz flows into Ludwigstraße, which continues past the university and the Siegestor toward Leopoldstraße and the Schwabing district.

To the west, Brienner Straße and Franz-Xaver-Schweyer-Straße lead toward Wittelsbacherplatz. To the east, Galeriestraße and Hofgartenstraße connect to the square.

In the southern part of the square, Theatinerstraße and Residenzstraße begin. Both continue as pedestrian zones into the Old Town. Behind the Feldherrnhalle, Viscardigasse links the two streets.

👉 At Odeonsplatz, Ludwigstraße, Brienner Straße, the Hofgarten, and the pedestrian zones of Munich's Old Town all come together.

Tips for your visit

Plan about 30 to 45 minutes for a first walk around the square. If you also want to visit the Theatinerkirche, the Hofgarten, or the Residenz, allow more time accordingly.

The square tends to be quieter in the early morning. In the late afternoon, the light falls especially beautifully on the yellow facade of the Theatinerkirche. Due to the renovation, the Feldherrnhalle is currently scaffolded and only of limited appeal as a photo subject.

One possible route leads from Marienplatz along Theatinerstraße to Odeonsplatz. From there, you can continue through the Hofgarten to the Englischer Garten or follow Ludwigstraße to the Siegestor.

👉 Odeonsplatz combines easily on foot with Marienplatz, the Residenz, the Hofgarten, Ludwigstraße, and the Englischer Garten.

Getting there by public transportation

The Odeonsplatz subway station lies directly beneath the square. Subway lines U3, U4, U5, and U6 stop here. You can also reach the square by bus 100.

From Marienplatz, Odeonsplatz is also within walking distance via Weinstraße and Theatinerstraße or via Residenzstraße.

Parking near Odeonsplatz is limited. Given the central location and frequent street closures, public transportation is the recommended way to get there.

👉 The Odeonsplatz subway station connects lines U3, U4, U5, and U6 directly beneath the square.

Admission and accessibility

Odeonsplatz is a public square and freely accessible. The Residenz and its collections have their own hours and admission fees.

The square itself is largely step-free. The Feldherrnhalle can only be reached via stairs. In churches, museums, and historic buildings, some areas may have limited accessibility.

During major events, familiar routes, entrances, and subway exits may be temporarily closed or rerouted.

👉 Odeonsplatz itself is largely step-free, while the Feldherrnhalle can only be reached via stairs.

Did you know? Fun facts about Odeonsplatz

• The building that gave Odeonsplatz its name today houses the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior.
• The actual Odeonsplatz lies north of the Theatinerkirche and Feldherrnhalle. In everyday usage, the southern forecourt is included as well.
• Until 1817, the medieval Schwabinger Tor gate stood on the site of the Feldherrnhalle.
• Monuments to the composers Christoph Willibald Gluck and Orlando di Lasso originally stood in front of the former Odeon.
• To make room for the equestrian statue of Ludwig I, erected in 1862, both composers' monuments were moved to Promenadeplatz.
• The two flagpoles in front of the Feldherrnhalle are each about 26 meters (85 feet) tall.
• The Feldherrnhalle and the Siegestor form the southern and northern monumental endpoints of Ludwigstraße.
• The Bazar Building belongs to the actual Odeonsplatz, while the Theatinerkirche and Feldherrnhalle are geographically part of the square in the broader sense.
• The southern part of Odeonsplatz has been part of Munich's pedestrian zone since 1972.
• Viscardigasse earned the nickname "Drückebergergassl" ("shirkers' alley") because people used it during the Nazi era to avoid the mandatory Hitler salute at the Feldherrnhalle.

👉 Odeonsplatz brings together, in a compact space, medieval city history, royal urban planning, Italian architectural models, and Munich's culture of remembrance.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Odeonsplatz

What is there to see at Odeonsplatz?

Directly on Odeonsplatz are the Feldherrnhalle, the Theatinerkirche, the Munich Residenz, and the Hofgarten. Behind the Feldherrnhalle, you'll also find Viscardigasse, known as the "Drückebergergassl."

How long will the Feldherrnhalle renovation take?

According to current plans, the renovation is expected to continue until 2028. During the work, the Feldherrnhalle is scaffolded and can only be seen to a limited extent.

Why is it called Odeonsplatz?

The square is named after the former Odeon concert hall. It was built by Leo von Klenze and today houses the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior.

Did Odeonsplatz used to have a different name?

Yes. Before being named Odeonsplatz in 1827, the area was called Fürstenplatz and later Reitschulplatz.

What are the main sights at Odeonsplatz?

The main sights are the Theatinerkirche, the Feldherrnhalle, the Residenz, and the Hofgarten. Also of note are the equestrian statue of Ludwig I, the flagpoles, the former Odeon, the Palais Leuchtenberg, and the Bazar Building.

Where does Odeonsplatz's Italian flair come from?

Several buildings follow Italian models. The Feldherrnhalle is based on the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, the Theatinerkirche on Roman Baroque, and the palace facades on models such as the Palazzo Farnese.

Is the Bazar Building part of Odeonsplatz?

Yes. The Bazar Building forms the eastern wall of the actual Odeonsplatz. Its arcades lead to the Hofgarten Gate and the Hofgarten.

What do the two flagpoles stand for?

The flagpoles commemorate King Ludwig I and Prince Regent Luitpold. They are crowned by a Bavarian Lion and a Münchner Kindl and fly the state and city colors, respectively.

Is the memorial plaque in the ground still there?

No. The memorial plaque for four police officers killed in 1923, set into the ground in front of the Feldherrnhalle in 1994, was removed in 2011 and transferred to the Münchner Stadtmuseum. Today, a bronze plaque on the Residenz commemorates the four men.

Can you see the Siegestor from Odeonsplatz?

Yes. From the southern part of the square, the view stretches along Ludwigstraße all the way to the Siegestor.

Which streets lead on from Odeonsplatz?

Ludwigstraße leads north and Brienner Straße west. Galeriestraße and Hofgartenstraße connect to the east. To the south, Theatinerstraße and Residenzstraße lead into the Old Town.

Which subway goes to Odeonsplatz?

The Odeonsplatz subway station is served by lines U3, U4, U5, and U6. That puts the square within direct reach of the Hauptbahnhof (central station), Stachus, Marienplatz, and the university, among others.