Antiquity in Bavaria 

The Romans left many exciting traces not only in the Mediterranean region, but also in southern Germany and especially in Bavaria. In the museums and archaeological parks of the "Antike in Bavaria" network visitors can experience excavation sites and archaeological finds such as coins, clay vessels and jewellery, as well as monumental buildings, sculptures, friezes and ships.

Even as a child, Dr. Astrid Fendt was always interested in history, but after school she initially completed an apprenticeship as a stonemason. In the process, her love for ancient stones grew, and she went on to study classical archaeology and art history.

Later, she spent some time working on Berlin's Museum Island and then began her work at the Königsplatz in Munich. She shared with us why she thinks her museums are so special and what tips she has for things to do in Munich and the surrounding region.

Sunlight is let in through large windows. It falls on plain brick walls and impressive vaults and on marble figures, some of which are larger than life. Dr. Astrid Fendt, curator at the Antikensammlung and the Glyptothek in Munich, loves these rooms.

"This museum is a great introduction to the world of ancient art for visitors," she says during the tour. "The special light, the big, old halls, the sculptures; I sometimes feel like I'm in Italy or Greece in the Glyptothek."

Ancient square in the heart of Munich

The two world-famous museum buildings of the Glyptothek and the Antikensammlungen on Munich's Königsplatz hint at their collections even from the outside. King Ludwig I, who was passionate about antiquity, had them built by the famous architects Leo von Klenze and Georg Friedrich Ziebland in the 19th century and their facades, with their different types of columns, are reminiscent of Greek temples.

That's why the square in the state capital doesn’t seem like it is part of Upper Bavaria, but rather like an ancient forum or a Greek agora. "Ludwig I, however, was not only the developer, he was also a passionate collector. We owe a large part of the treasures here to him," says Fendt. And to this day, the spacious, green, and open square is a popular destination for Munich residents during the day and in the evening.

During the tour, the expert tells us that Munich has even more interesting buildings inspired by antiquity. The Siegestor (Victory Gate) in Schwabing, for example, or the Monopteros in the English Garden.

We ask her which exhibits you shouldn't miss in Munich's two museums. "Oh, there are quite a few," the curator says with a laugh. "Making a choice is quite difficult," she says. "In the Antikensammlungen, where we primarily show vases, terracottas, bronzes, and jewellery, I recommend seeing the drinking bowl by the Brygos painter depicting a dancing maenad.

In the Glyptothek, which is our sculpture collection, you should see the Barberine Faun, a larger-than-life marble figure. It shows a naked young man leaning against a rock, half asleep. To me, the Faun embodies everything one associates with the pleasurable side of antiquity. " 

Democracy and pleasure culture

Astrid Fendt's fascination with antiquity has grown over the years. Philosophy, democracy, trade routes, a convivial culture of enjoyment with wine and culture; Astrid Fendt explains in guided tours that Romans, Etruscans and Greeks were pioneers for much of what we love today

"I'm impressed by what masterpieces the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans were capable of at the time with their simple means. They really set standards."

But the scientist also does not conceal how arduous everyday life was for the “regular people." She has great respect for that, too. "Because you tend to forget that when you look at these great works of art."

Info on the Antikensammlung and the Glyptothek: antike-am-koenigsplatz.de