Hofgarten, Renaissance park in Münchner Altstadt, Germany
Hofgarten is a Renaissance park in central Munich positioned between the Residenz palace and the Englischer Garten, featuring symmetrical pathways and a central pavilion dedicated to Diana. Rectangular lawns and regularly spaced trees form geometric patterns that are framed by colonnaded arcades.
The garden was created between 1613 and 1617 under Maximilian I of Bavaria, blending Italian Renaissance design principles with local architecture. Over centuries it transformed into public parkland and now holds a memorial to the White Rose, a resistance group that opposed Nazi rule.
The garden takes its name from the prince's pleasure grounds and functions as a meeting place where locals walk and rest throughout the day. The arcades display historical wall paintings showing scenes from Bavaria, giving the space its distinctive character.
The park can be reached from several directions, with Odeonsplatz U-Bahn station on the western side serving as the main access point. The pathways are level and easy to walk, making it suitable for a relaxed visit in any season.
Eight stone paths radiate outward from the central Diana Temple, creating a star-shaped pattern most visible from above. Regular dance performances beneath the dome animate the geometric design concept of the space.
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