Can you visit the Alter Hof freely?

The courtyard and the Gothic facade are freely accessible, while parts of the wings are used as offices and private apartments.

Why is the oriel tower called the monkey tower?

According to local legend, a monkey from the ducal menagerie once carried off the young Louis IV before returning him to the castle.

What is the connection between the Alter Hof and Emperor Louis IV?

Once he became king and emperor, Louis IV made it the first fixed imperial residence of the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th century.

Where is the Alter Hof located in Munich?

It stands in the historic city centre, right next to Marienplatz.

Alter Hof

München

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: München

Alter Hof stands in München (München), in Bavaria, Germany. The building is a listed Baudenkmal. Recorded dating: 13th century. No visits are on record for this building.

The Alter Hof forms a quadrangle in the heart of Munich's old town, on the site of a ducal stronghold founded in the late 12th century. Home to the dukes of Bavaria and later, under Emperor Louis IV, the first fixed imperial residence of the Holy Roman Empire, the complex still shows its Gothic west wing with the oriel tower known locally as the monkey tower. The other wings, rebuilt after wartime destruction, now house offices and apartments, while an exhibition on the site's history occupies the vaulted cellars dating from around 1300.

Written from Alter Hof

What to know

The site sits right in the centre of Munich, an easy walk from Marienplatz.
Part of the buildings now serve as offices and apartments, which limits the visit to the courtyard and the basement exhibition.
The exhibition on the residence's history occupies a 14th century vaulted cellar and includes a short film in German and English.
The Gothic west facade and the oriel tower known as the monkey tower can be seen from the courtyard, freely accessible.
No verified details on opening hours, prices or accessibility are available; check locally before visiting.

Where this château is

München · München · Bayern

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

München-Altstadt-Lehel

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Baudenkmal in Bayern
Period of construction: 13th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can you visit the Alter Hof freely?: The courtyard and the Gothic facade are freely accessible, while parts of the wings are used as offices and private apartments.
Why is the oriel tower called the monkey tower?: According to local legend, a monkey from the ducal menagerie once carried off the young Louis IV before returning him to the castle.
What is the connection between the Alter Hof and Emperor Louis IV?: Once he became king and emperor, Louis IV made it the first fixed imperial residence of the Holy Roman Empire in the 14th century.
Where is the Alter Hof located in Munich?: It stands in the historic city centre, right next to Marienplatz.