The Isar Gate (German: Isartor) is one of the three remaining city gates in Munich, originally part of the city's defensive system, and today marks the eastern border of the historic old city of Munich.
The other two gates: Sendling Gate and Charles Gate.
Isartor was constructed by Ludwig IV the Bavarian in the course of large-scale expansion of the city and the construction of the second city wall between 1285 and 1337 years.
The gate is named after the Isar River, the road to which passed (and continues) from the city center through the gate.
The gate was restored by Friedrich von Gaertner in 1833. At the same time by German artist Bernhard von Negara the gate was created mural depicting the victorious return of the Emperor Ludwig IV after the battle of Mühldorf in 1322.
Isartor was severely damaged during the Second world war. Subsequently, the gate was restored, with some modifications.
Today Isartor gate is a historical monument and a popular attraction of Munich.
They are located on the Eastern edge of Munich's old town, at the address: Tal 50. From the gate to the Central square of the city of Munich (Marienplatz) is a street Tal.
The Isartor today consist of: an impressive rectangular tower, trapezoidal courtyard, which are arched passages; the backyard is surrounded by a wall, with two octagonal side towers with arched openings (passages).
High gate tower is the only tower preserved of all the towers of the existing three gates of Munich.
In the tower is an arched passage leading to the yard gate.
The top of the tower on two sides (West and East) is decorated with a tower clock. The clock face on the West side of the tower facing the street tal, has a mirror image, and hour hands moving in the opposite direction. Such movement of the hands and the dial would say that in Munich it's a little different and even the time is different.
In the lower part of the gate tower, from the courtyard gate, is a mural "Jesus on the cross."
On the eve of Christmas and New year in the courtyard Isartor gate operates a small and cosy Christmas market where they sell drink, including warming mulled wine, food and snacks.
On the Eastern side of the Isartor gate, on the wall tregaron opening, between the side towers is a fresco: "the triumph of Ludwig IV the Bavarian, after his victorious battle against Frederick III the Handsome of mühldorf in 1322".
On the side towers are depicted the coats of arms of aristocratic families and cities who participated in the battle of Emperor Ludwig. Some of the emblems were replaced with window openings after refurbishment in 1946.
In the lateral towers of the gate today is the Museum of Karl Valentin (Valentin Karlstadt Musäum / Valentin-Karlstadt-Museum), dedicated to the Bavarian comedian Karl Valentin and his colleague, the actress Liesl Karlstadt.
The Museum was opened by one of the fans of comic - Hannes Koenig in 1959.
In the Museum among others are some, at first glance quite unusual, but they reveal the extraordinary and talented person Carl Valentine. For example: winter toothpick with fur trim, melted ice sculpture or a nail, which is a symbol of that Valentine he gave up his profession of a carpenter to become a comedian.
The entrance to the Museum is located in the internal passage of the South tower.
Museum website: valentin-musaeum.
Fortifications near Isartor gate
Less than 100 metres to the North of Isartor gate are two more historical evidence of the former fortifications of the city of Munich. This:
- remains of city walls and the tower base Prince (Prinzessturm);
- house Winderemere (Vindelikerhaus), in the South wall of which is embedded the remnants of the former watchtower Lyuga (Lueg ins Land).
Hotels near Isartor gate
Directly near the main tower of the Isartor gate is a 4-star hotel Torbräu offers a restaurant, bar, Parking and free Wi-Fi.
Classically furnished rooms at family hotel feature a TV with satellite channels and a modern bathroom with a Hairdryer.
Room rates can be inclusive of the Breakfast buffet. Link to the hotel
