Munich's old town, from grand churches to steins of Bavarian brew

As soon as I arrived in Munich, I grabbed a guide book and began looking for the best way to explore the city. After a quick read, I decided to check out the old city first, which used to be encircled by walls.

Together with a number of journalists visiting Munich, I started my tour from the Karlstor gate at Karlsplatz, one of a few gates which remain standing from the old walled city.

This gate, built in the 14th century, seemed to welcome our group, along with thousands of other visitors, on a beautiful, sunny day.

Walking along Neuhauser and Kaufinger streets -- the city's busiest shopping thoroughfares -- we checked out a number of beautiful old buildings, some of which are heritage landmarks.

After a few minutes walk from the Karlstor gate, we went by the Burgersaal, a Marianist church built in the 18th century.

Further down Neuhauser street, we visited a beautiful fountain, built in 1962 in honor of Munich-based composer Richard Strauss. The fountain is located right on the corner of the 16th century Jesuit Michaelskirche (Saint Michael's Church), the largest Renaissance style church north of the Alps.

Just right after the Saint Michael's Church, the famous Frauenkirhe (Church of Our Lady) is standing tall at the left- side of the street.

This Gothic-style with classic red brick walls, built between 1468 and 1494, really makes an impression, especially because of its skyscraping towers, in unique Italian Renaissance style and its bulb-shaped green domes, which are practically visible from any part of the city. Because of their uniqueness and height, these twin towers have become the best-known symbols of Munich.

Walking further down Kaufinger street, we arrive at Marientplatz square, where the main attraction of old town is located.

This square has been the true heart of Munich since the Middle Ages, when valiant knights often demonstrated their skills with spears and swords. Later, this site became an important market until early 19th century. Today's Marientplatz still bustles with life, and people often can be seen enjoying the daily carillon show from the towering New Town Hall, while drinking a stein of beer at one of the sidewalk cafes.

Hundreds of people wait in the square in anticipation of the carillon show, which features 32 copper figures dancing with 43 bells. The carillon, placed at the New Town Hall's tower, plays twice a day, i.e. at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. everyday.

The New Town Hall, completed in 1909, is the centerpiece of the square, with its 85-meter tall tower. This tower, together with the twin towers of the Church of Our Lady, make up the trademark skyline of the old town.

In the middle of the square, you can find Mary's Column, from whence the name Marienplatz originated. Four figures sit at the base of the column with each symbolizing portentous conditions: war, plague, heresy and famine.

At the other end of the square, you can see the Old Town Hall. This building, built in the late 15th century, had been the seat of the Munich government until the early 20th century.

At this point, our group dispersed, but I continued my old town journey toward the Isator Gate.

After passing the Old Town Hall, visitors will find Petersckirche (St. Peter's Church), the oldest parish church in Munich. From here, you can see the bustling Viktualienmarkt (the Food Market). This market was apparently a relocation site for traders from the Marienplatz, which then itself was a bustling market until the early 19th century.

In this market, you can find all traditional Bavarian delicacies along with fruit from around the world. You may also find tropical fruits such as durian and rambutan. Do not forget also to stop by at the famous beer garden in the market. Munich, or Bavaria as a whole, is well known for their original beers.

After imbibing at the beer garden, it is a good experience to go back to the main street and continue your journey toward the Isator gate, which has been preserved intact in its original 14th century state.

By touring this beautiful strip from Karlstor to the Isator gate, tourists will have completed a straight line tour of the old walled town of Munich. -- Riyadi Suparno