Glockenspiel Marienplatz is a traditional Bavarian carillon located in the Marienplatz, the central square of Munich, Germany. It is one of the most beloved attractions in Munich, drawing tourists and locals alike to its daily performances. The Glockenspiel was built in 1908 by the sculptor and craftsman Franz von Zülow and is now one of the most visited attractions in the city.
The Glockenspiel is a large structure, standing at over 33 feet tall and featuring 43 bells and 32 life-size figures. Every day at 11am and 12pm, the bells of the Glockenspiel chime and the figures perform a re-enactment of two historical events: The Marriage of Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine in 1568, and the Schäfflertanz, a traditional dance performed by the coopers of Munich during the plague of 1517.
History
The Glockenspiel was first commissioned in 1908 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The original design was intended to be a tribute to the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine, and was to feature a royal procession of horses and riders. However, the sculptor, Franz von Zülow, decided to focus instead on the Schäfflertanz, a dance of coopers that was performed during the plague of 1517. The Glockenspiel was completed in 1908 and has been a popular attraction ever since.
Performances
The Glockenspiel performs twice a day, at 11am and 12pm, with a duration of about 15 minutes. During the performance, the bells of the Glockenspiel chime and the 32 life-size figures, depicting the royal wedding and the Schäfflertanz, move in a clockwise rotation. At the end of the performance, a rooster figure is released from the top of the Glockenspiel, signifying the end of the show.
Other Attractions
In addition to the Glockenspiel performances, Marienplatz is home to a variety of other attractions, including a carousel, an open-air market, and a fountain. The Marienplatz also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Oktoberfest, which is the world’s largest beer festival.
Getting There
Marienplatz is easily accessible by public transportation. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn both stop at Marienplatz, and there are several bus lines that also serve the area. The Glockenspiel is located in the center of Marienplatz, and is easily visible from most of the surrounding area.
Conclusion
The Glockenspiel Marienplatz is one of Munich’s most beloved attractions, drawing tourists and locals alike to its daily performances. It is an iconic symbol of the city, and a reminder of its long and storied history. Whether you are visiting Munich or just passing through, a visit to the Glockenspiel Marienplatz is a must.
