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Munich's 850th anniversary
The Bavarian capital will be turning 850 this summer and both locals and visitors alike are welcome to join in the celebrations. Nicola Iseard unveils all
Word has it that it's going to be a rather fabulous occasion. Commemorating the founding of one of Germany's most celebrated cities, a series of vibrant festivals is taking place throughout Munich this summer.
After months of meticulous planning, racking up a bill of more than six million euros, the festival - which celebrates Munich's 850th anniversary - got off to a fantastic start in June with a two-day street party in the historic city centre, around Marienplatz. Its large, open square - dominated by the glorious neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) - was host to art exhibitions, music and street performers.
And the festivities are set to continue right through to mid-September. As well as general merrymaking (wherever there is a festival in Munich, you'll find an abundance of stalls selling everything from ales to chocolate-covered fruit), many major events will be taking place.
Commemorating the city's evolution from a monastery to a hub of culture and technology, each event follows the theme 'Building Bridges' - which is actually a bit of an in-joke, referring to the foundation of Munich all those centuries ago.
Munich, or München ('Home of the Monks'), became a city when, in 1158, Henry the Lion, who wanted to secure power (and money) from the Isar salt trade, destroyed the bridge of the Bishop of Freising and built his own bridge over the River Isar next to a Benetictine settlement, Munichen. This settlement began to grow, and in 1175 was officially granted city status.
One of the most anticipated events of the summer is being held at the stunning Cuvilliés Theatre, Munich's oldest existing opera house. Following extensive renovation work, the theatre has reopened its doors for the anniversary, with performances of Mozart's Idomeneo, finally back where it was first performed in 1781. There will be several public performances throughout June and July.
Meanwhile, on a stage of a slightly different sort, the traffic-free Old Town Ring Road will be taken over with dozens of performers in traditional costume on July 19 and 20, giving spectators a playful insight into the city's past and present through theatre and music.
For visitors looking for something a little more romantic, the Isar Bridges Festival will enthral crowds from August 1 to 3. Celebrating the building of Henry the Lion's bridge across the River Isar, spectacular light installations will adorn the bridges and light up the river, with live music and dancing on the riverbanks.
The city's motto is 'München mag dich' ('Munich loves you'), but after a few days in this wonderfully vibrant city you might just find that you are the one falling in love with Munich.