Description of the attraction
The former summer residence of the Bavarian rulers in the west of the city lies in the middle of one of the most beautiful parklands in Munich. Five generations of the Wittelsbachs took part in the construction of the baroque castle. The history of the construction of Nymphenburg Castle begins with the Elector Ferdinand Maria, who ordered the construction of the middle part of the building in the style of Italian villas (1664-74) for his wife in connection with the birth of the heir to the throne, Max Emanuel. Under Max Emanuel in 1700, architects Enrico Zucalli and Antonio Viscardi expanded the complex with galleries and pavilions. A few years later, the southern part of the castle - Marshtal - was built, and a greenhouse was laid in the north. The park area was greatly expanded in the 18th century and, starting in 1715, was rebuilt by Girard in the French style (after the image of Versailles).
In the interior of the palace, attention is drawn to: the Great Hall in the Rococo style, decorated with frescoes by Zimmermann; Gallery of beauties with portraits of 36 of the most beautiful Munich women; Lacquer cabinet with black and red lacquered Chinese panels.
The exhibits of the local Museum of Porcelain were made in the castle, at the local manufactory, which is one of the oldest porcelain factories in Europe. The Carriage Museum has an excellent collection of carriages, sleighs and horse harnesses, including the carriages of King Ludwig II.
The hunting pavilion Amalienburg has become famous for the perfection of forms and decor. It was built under the direction of the architect François Cuvillier in the Rococo style and is distinguished by the subtlety of work and grace, which are especially noticeable in his Mirror Gallery. Two more pavilions of the palace complex deserve attention: the Bath, created in the 18th century, and the pagoda pavilion, decorated with oriental ornaments and masks of the gods.
In the northern part of Nymphenburg, there is the Botanical Garden, where various types of trees and other plants are collected, including very rare ones, such as carnivorous plants.
