Koenigsplatz

The neoclassical "Königsplatz" is one of the finest squares in Munich. In 1811 King Ludwig I. had Carl von Fischer designed this square as the "Forum of Art" in contrast to the "Forum of Science" in the Ludwigstraße. Ludwig I. was a great admirer of the Greek culture. His son Otto was the first king of Greece. Ludwig I. supported the Greek struggle for liberation and independence and created a part of Greece in Munich by planning the "Königsplatz".

The first building was erected at the north side, the " Glyptothek" with Ionian pillars designed by Leo von Klenze. Just opposite Georg Friedrich Ziebland built the gallery with a Corinthian portico, now housing the " Sate Collection of Antiquities". The Doric gateway of the " Propylaeum" forms the western end of the square.
The square was originally all grass-lawns, but during the Nazi period the grass was replaced by granite plates and used for parades and mass meetings. When there was heavy rainfall the water could not leak out properly into the ground. That's why the Munich citizens called this square "Plattensee" (Lake Plates). Meanwhile the granite plates of the "Königsplatz" have been replaced with lawn . During the summer open-air events take place, such as cinema, operas and concerts.

U-Bahn: U-Bahn: U2 to Königsplatz