Amidst the heart of modern-day Munich, the city's most antique structure oddly neglects to serve ale - instead, it retains the age-old heritage as a non-tavern establishment.
The Oldest Building in Munich Unearthed
Say hello to tzMunichCity, where the oldest building, built in 1261, was discovered during excavations at Marienhof. Just a heads up, this baby was initially designed as a well but served as a latrine shortly after construction.
Munich's hidden treasures beneath city streets are dwindling, but surprises still pop up, like when researchers stumbled upon this ancient gem in 2011 and 2012. Dr. Brigitte Haas-Gebhard, head of the Medieval/Modern department at the Archaeological State Collection Munich, has the scoop.
A Latrine, Not a Well: The Shocking Revelation
"The timber-lined shaft 5 at Marienhof was originally intended as a well, but it met an unfortunate fate," Haas-Gebhard reveals. "A cow may have slipped into the well during or shortly after its construction, making it unsuitable for drinking water." And voila, our lesson on the city's history transformed into a bathroom break.
The youngest wood used in the construction of the well hails from 1261, and it was transported along the Isar from the nearby Alpine foothills to Munich's bustling core.
The Archaeological State Collection: Where History Lives
Despite the setback, you can still visit the rebuilt latrine at the Archaeological State Collection in Lerchenfeldstraße. After years of renovation, the museum reopened in April 2024.
Interestingly, excavations at Marienhof have unraveled 17 such shafts, teeming with historical finds. Too bad that large parts of Munich's archaeological underground were obliterated during the construction of the U-Bahn in the 1970s and 1980s. Talk about making history vanish with a swing of the digging shovel!
Fast forward to present times, and many aspects of the past seem strikingly modern. Case in point: Munich's housing crisis. The well shaft was constructed outside the first city wall as early as 1261, and Haas-Gebhard suggests that the growth of the city might have been an issue even in those days.
A Glimpse into Munich's Past: Insights and Answers
Learning from the past can shed light on our present. The findings at Marienhof can offer insights into Munich residents' diet, their ways of dealing with diseases, and how entire neighborhoods evolved. Don't forget the impact of vibrant tavern culture on urban development, too!
If you fancy more tidbits on Munich's rich history, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for more discoveries like this baby well shaft. Whether it's the Champions League Final, a strange detour due to change, or the allure of "lost places," Munich's got a chronicle well worth reading. Let's grab a beer and cheers to that! 🍻👍
Enrichment Data:Marienhof is a historic square in Munich, Germany, and it is known for its historical significance within the city. The square has likely undergone various transformations and developments over time, reflecting the broader historical changes in Munich.
Munich's oldest buildings generally date back to the Middle Ages. The city, itself, has a rich history, with significant landmarks like the Hofbräuhaus, which was initially built in 1589.
Archaeological excavations in Munich often uncover remnants from the Roman era, the Middle Ages, and other historical periods. These findings typically provide insights into the city's early development and cultural influences.
- In the heart of Munich, you can find a historical relic, the rebuilt latrine, once a well in Marienhof, at the Archaeological State Collection in Lerchenfeldstraße, showcasing the city's past living within its walls.
- The fascinating history of Munich, from ancient well shafts to modern housing issues, demonstrates a clear connection between the city's lifestyle and home-and-garden developments, as reflected in the transformations at Marienhof over the centuries.
