Karlsplatz (Stachus)

Stachus is a large square in central Munich and named officially Karlsplatz in 1797 after the unpopular Karl Theodor, Elector of Bavaria. Munich natives seldom use that name, calling the square instead Stachus, after the pub Beim Stachus, once owned by Eustachius Föderl, that was located there until construction work for Karlsplatz began.

Most important buildings dominating the square are the "Karlstor", a gate of the demolished medieval fortification, the rondell before the gate and the neo-baroque "Justizpalast" (Palace of Justice). In front of the Karlstor is a big fountain during the summer period. In winter an open-air ice is installed there. The underground contains a large shopping center. Also between Stachus square and Marienplatz the main pedestrian area of the city (Neuhauser Strasse / Kaufinger Strasse) houses numerous shops and restaurants.The Karlsplatz (Stachus) U-Bahn and S-Bahn station is located below the square. The Stachus also serves as a hub for the city's tramway system, located on Altstadtring, the Old Town's orbital road system.

External links

* [http://www.panorama-cities.net/munich/stachus.html 360° View of Stachus]