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In the southern part of the so-called "Englische Garten" (English Garden) there is a little elevation that is surrounded by trees and topped by a Greek style temple called "Monopteros" by the local inhabitants. In the middle of this merely decorative temple you will find a short column with the inscription we are going to describe here.
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General view |
Inscription |
Ceiling |
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Arrival |
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Skyline of the center of the city
The lower range of photos was taken |
St Louis church |
Part of the park
All of the photos of this page: |
Inscription
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Definitions and Historical Data
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English Garden (Englischer Garten) |
One of the most important parks of the city of Munich (3,72 square kilometer), first mentioned in 1387, with changing (but always privileged) utilizations during the centuries, and finally destinated to public recreation and health as from 1804. The name of this park actually means "English style park" (which means "artificial wilderness"), as an opposite to "French style park" (which means "absolute or even absolutist order"). |
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Monopteros |
Monopteros is a Greek word designating an open round temple whose roof is only supported by columns. The monopteros of the English Garden was erected on an artificial elevation (height: about 15 m, material: rests of former fortifications) in 1832-36, by Leo von Klenze, royal Bavarian chief architect. |
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Electors |
Before 1257, the German emperor was regularly elected by all of the regional princes. But from 1257 to 1806, only a small number of privilegiated princes and prince-bishops (Kurfürsten) were officially allowed to elect him. The initial and longest-lasting Electors were the following ones:
- Erzbischof von Mainz (Archbishop of Mainz) It was only from 1623 that a Bavarian Elector existed (replacing the one of the Palatinate). During the subsequent centuries - and especially during the Napoleonian times - many changes took place: addition and replacement of several Electoral regions and cities, and finally abolition of this institution. |
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Elector Karl Theodor |
Karl Theodor (1724 - 1799) became Elector of the Palatinate (Pfalz) in 1742, then Elector of Bavaria in 1777. He essentially resided in Mannheim and was known to be a great patron of art. |
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King Maximilian I |
Maximilian I Joseph (1756 - 1825) became Elector in 1799 and King of Bavaria in 1806. Having joined Napoleon I as from 1801, he obtained the title of "King of Bavaria" and important territorial enlargement of Bavaria. |
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King Ludwig I |
Ludwig I (1786 - 1868) became King of Bavaria in 1825, but abdicated in 1848. The city of Munich owes very many of its artistic and cultural monuments to this king. Being very fond of the Greek movement of national liberation he sent his second son Otto to Greece, where the latter had an unhappy and short career as King of Greece. See The Greeks Struggle for Independence. Ludwig I played a very reactionary role during the 1830 revolution and the subsequent years. His liaison with the dancer Lola Montez triggered the 1848 revolution, which forced him to abdicate. |
Comment
The inscription of the temple tries to demonstrate the special importance of Ludwig I., descendant of a great patron of art (Karl Theodor) as well as of the founder of Bavarian royalty and territorial importance (Maximilian I), whose capacities are supposed to be combined in his person. But cherchez la femme...
Bibliography
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Author / Title |
Notes |
Info / Purchase |
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Biller/Rasp, München - Kunst und Kultur |
German language. Detailed and clearly structured city guide, also suitable as a reference book |
- amazon.de/at: allemand. |
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dtv-Lexikon |
General encyclopedia in 24 volumes |
- amazon.de/at: allemand. |
Internet
Please be aware of our legal reservation concerning any Internet reference.
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Address / Owner |
Content / Subjects |
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In Wikipedia. |
Short encyclopaedic article on the type of Roman temple, with a long list of existing examples. |
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Holidays in Munich? Excellent idea! But where to stay? |
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Whether you are looking for a room, an apartment, a hotel, a guest house,
or any other accommodation, |
Arrival by Public Transport
For the arrival in Munich, see Inscriptions of Munich.
From the central railway station (Hauptbahnhof), you can take a direct subway line to Odeonsplatz. Exit the train and continue walking first upstairs in the same direction, then to the exit indicated as Residenzgarten / Staatskanzlei. The "garden of the (royal) residence" is located behind the wall where you come up to the open air. Cross this small French style park in diagonal and take the path going down under the street you see at about 100m. On the other side of this street there is the beginning of the so-called Englische Garten (English style garden). Walking along the same path for less than a km you will find the Greek style temple on your left.
Indications concerning the arrival correspond to our personal knowledge or even experience, but we cannot assume any responsibility for their rightness. When you are reading this page, things may have changed in reality.
Hans-Rudolf Hower, 2004
Frequently-asked questions - Webmaster
Last updated: April 4, 2016
