H Theatinerstraße

Theatinerstraße is a central shopping street in Munich's Old Town that connects Odeonsplatz with Marienhof. It takes its name from the neighboring Theatine Church and the religious order based there; it was formerly known as Hintere Schwabinger Gasse. Part of a medieval long-distance trade route that already existed in the twelfth century, the point where it meets Weinstraße marks the historic boundary of the so-called Heinrichsstadt. Today the entire street is a pedestrian zone, lined with numerous international fashion houses and shops. Particularly well known are the Fünf Höfe, a shopping center with more stores, restaurants, and the Kunsthalle of the Hypo Cultural Foundation. In the warmer months, plenty of sidewalk cafés invite you to linger.

Although World War II destroyed many magnificent Baroque and Neoclassical buildings, such as the Palais Piosasque de Non and the Palais Berchem, the street still has several significant sights. Among the surviving highlights are the Palais Moy, the Palais Preysing, the Arco-Palais, and the Feldherrnhalle. An architectural gem is the Theatinerpassage, which has housed the landmarked Theatiner Filmkunst cinema since the 1950s. The passage is distinguished by its sweeping outdoor staircase and fan-shaped glass roof. In addition, a commercial building with a sandstone facade that draws on Viennese Baroque style came through the war unscathed.