Alter Hof, Gothic urban castle in Old Town, Munich, Germany.
Alter Hof is a Gothic urban castle in the heart of Munich's Old Town, composed of five wings named Burgstock, Zwingerstock, Lorenzistock, Pfisterstock, and Brunnenstock. These wings enclose a central courtyard that displays Renaissance elements.
The castle became the first permanent imperial residence of the Holy Roman Empire under Ludwig IV during the 13th century. The court later moved to the Neuveste fortress, ending its role as the center of power.
The Gothic wooden bay window earned the Monkey Tower name from a tale about a trained monkey that carried young Duke Ludwig II to the castle roof. This legend still shapes how people remember this distinctive architectural feature.
An information center for Bavarian museums and castles occupies the eastern wing, offering multimedia exhibitions about Munich's medieval history in vaulted cellars. The central courtyard is open to visitors and invites you to explore the architecture.
Archaeological findings reveal foundations of a 12th-century structure beneath the current building, showing that power was centered here long before. The St. Lorenz Chapel later housed the regalia of House Wittelsbach, the region's most valuable treasures.
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