Munich: City Tour Executioners, Whores, Witches

Munich’s dark history is a fascinating tapestry woven with tales of executioners, witches, and prostitutes. This guided city tour delves into the grim realities that shaped the city’s past, from public executions at the Neuhauser Tor to the tragic witch hunts that targeted vulnerable women. As visitors explore these notorious sites, they’ll gain profound insights into Munich’s transformation – a journey from brutal justice practices to a more humane legal system. What secrets lie within the city’s historic landmarks?

Key Points

• The guided walking tour explores Munich’s grim past, focusing on executioners, prostitutes, and victims of witch hunts, offering a unique insight into the city’s shadowy history.

• The Neuhauser Tor, a former execution site, provides a discussion of execution methods, notorious executioners, and the evolution of justice and human rights.

• The tour delves into the 16th and 17th century witch hunts, where victims such as prostitutes, midwives, and elderly women were subjected to torture and public executions.

• The transformation of Munich’s landscape is highlighted, showcasing the evolution from a medieval settlement to a modern metropolis, with landmarks like the Alter Hof and Frauenkirche.

• The tour examines the dark history of St. Michaels Church, which was linked to the witch trials, and the architectural significance of the Frauenkirche in Munich’s religious and cultural landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Munich’s Dark History

Although Munich is renowned for its beautiful architecture, lively beer halls, and vibrant culture, the city also has a dark history that’s often overlooked.

This two-hour guided walking tour takes visitors through Munich’s grim past, exploring sites associated with executioners, prostitutes, and witches. Participants will learn about the city’s evolution from the Middle Ages to modern times, hearing stories of witch hunts, torture, and public executions.

Key highlights include visits to St. Michael’s Church, Frauenkirche, and the Neuhauser Tor, the former execution site. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this tour provides a unique and eye-opening glimpse into Munich’s shadowy past.

Exploring the Execution Site at Neuhauser Tor

As visitors make their way along the historic salt road, they arrive at the Neuhauser Tor, a former execution site that holds a grim significance in Munich’s dark history.

This was the location where condemned criminals and political dissidents were publicly executed.

Guests on the tour can:

• Stand at the Neuhauser Tor and imagine the chilling scenes of the past

• Learn about the different methods of execution used, including beheading and hanging

• Hear stories of notorious executioners and their grisly work

• Understand how public executions were a tool of social control and punishment

• Reflect on the evolution of justice and human rights over the centuries.

Uncovering the Stories of Witches and Witch Hunts

The Munich city tour also delves into the city’s dark history of witch hunts, shedding light on the plight of those accused of witchcraft. Visitors learn about the widespread persecution and execution of alleged witches during the 16th and 17th centuries. The guide shares chilling tales of torture, confessions extracted under duress, and public executions.

| Victims of Witch Hunts | Fate |

|————————|——|

| Prostitutes | Accused of consorting with the devil |

| Midwives | Blamed for infant deaths |

| Elderly women | Viewed as threats to the community |

| Healers | Suspected of using black magic |

| Religious dissenters | Executed for heresy |

Exploring these dark chapters in Munich’s history provides a somber yet fascinating glimpse into the intolerance and fear that gripped the city during this period.

Witnessing the Changing Landscape From the Middle Ages to Modern Times

Throughout the tour, visitors witness the transformative changes that have shaped Munich’s landscape from the Middle Ages to the present day. The guide shares stories of how the city evolved from a medieval settlement to a modern metropolis:

Munich’s landscape has transformed from a medieval settlement to a modern metropolis, with the guide sharing stories of its evolution.

• Exploring the Alter Hof, the former royal palace, and learning about its transition from a Gothic fortress to a Renaissance-style residence.

• Passing by the Frauenkirche, a Gothic cathedral that has endured through the centuries, representing the city’s architectural heritage.

• Standing at the Neuhauser Tor, the former execution site, and understanding how public executions gave way to more humane justice systems.

• Tracing the historic salt road that connected Munich to the world and how trade shaped the city’s development.

• Visiting the Jesuit college, now a symbol of the city’s intellectual and cultural evolution.

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Examining the Fate of Prostitutes in Medieval Munich

Joining the guide on the tour, visitors uncover the grim realities faced by prostitutes in medieval Munich. The guide explains how the city regulated and policed sex workers, confining them to specific areas.

Prostitutes endured harsh living conditions, violence, and social stigma. Many were forced into the trade due to poverty or lack of options. Executions of sex workers were common, often for trivial offenses.

The guide notes the church’s role in condemning prostitution, leading to witch hunts that disproportionately targeted women. Though marginalized, prostitutes played a complex role in medieval society, a sobering reminder of the harsh realities they confronted.

The Jesuit College and the City’s Historic Salt Road

As the tour continues, visitors follow the historic salt road that once connected Munich to the Bavarian Alps. The route leads to the former Jesuit college, a testament to the city’s religious heritage.

Along the way, the guide shares insights into:

• The importance of salt trade to Munich’s economy

• The Jesuit order’s influence on education and culture

• Architectural features of the college, like its ornate façade

• The college’s role in shaping the city’s intellectual landscape

• How this site evolved from a religious institution to a modern university.

Visiting Iconic Landmarks: St. Michaels Church and Frauenkirche

The tour then leads visitors to two of Munich’s most iconic landmarks – St. Michaels Church and Frauenkirche.

At St. Michaels, the guide shares the church’s dark history, from its role in the witch trials to the executioner’s residence on the premises. Visitors stand in awe of the grand architecture and learn about the church’s evolution over the centuries.

At St. Michaels, the guide delves into the church’s dark history, from its role in witch trials to the executioner’s residence on site.

The tour then moves to the famous Frauenkirche, the city’s cathedral. Here, the guide points out the distinct onion-domed towers and explains the church’s pivotal place in Munich’s religious and cultural landscape.

These stops offer a glimpse into the city’s complex past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour information does not mention any scheduled restroom breaks. However, the guide is likely able to accommodate reasonable requests for stops during the 2-hour walking tour, if needed. Participants should feel free to ask the guide about restroom opportunities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour doesn’t provide any refreshments, so it’s best to have a light snack or drink before the tour starts. Eating and drinking are not permitted during the walking tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children Under 12?

The tour is generally not recommended for children under 12 as it covers mature historical themes. Parents should use discretion and ensure the content is appropriate for their child’s age and maturity level before booking the tour.

Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance or Can I Buy a Ticket on the Day?

You can book the tour in advance to secure your spot, but it’s also possible to purchase a ticket on the day of the tour, subject to availability. Advance booking is recommended to ensure you get a spot.

Is There an Audio Guide Option Available for the Tour?

The tour does not offer an audio guide option. It’s a live, guided walking tour where a knowledgeable city guide provides the commentary in German. Guests can choose between a shared group or private tour.

The Sum Up

Munich’s guided city tour takes visitors on a haunting journey through the city’s dark past. From the grim execution site at Neuhauser Tor to the tragic stories of persecuted witches, the tour provides a profound understanding of Munich’s transformation. Participants witness the evolution from brutal justice to a more humane legal system, reflecting on the complex realities that shaped the city’s history.

You can check availability for your dates here: