La Dolce Vita in Munich

With its lively festivals, world-renowned galleries and museums, and thriving food scene, Munich is one of Germany’s most culturally rich cities. Sometimes hailed ‘the most northerly city in Italy’, the Bavarian capital is known for its readiness to embrace a Mediterranean lifestyle the moment the sun appears, its appreciation for Italian art and architecture, and its year-round love of Italian cuisine.

Munich’s Italian Masters

One of the most striking echoes of Italy in Munich is seen in its deeply rooted passion for art. Amid the city’s numerous galleries and museums, the Alte Pinakothek is one of the world’s oldest, housing a vast collection of Italian masterpieces including Late Gothic and Proto-Renaissance pieces such as Giotto’s ‘The Last Supper’. Italian Renaissance and Baroque works range from Da Vinci’s delicately detailed ‘Madonna of the Carnation’ to Botticelli’s emotionally charged ‘Lamentation of Christ’, among more Italian masterpieces. 

Meanwhile, the Pinakothek Moderne spotlights contemporary artists in exhibitions such as the recent ‘Eccentric: Aesthetics of Freedom’, showcasing Italian visual artist Maurizio Cattelan’s satirical pieces and Milanese artist Paola Pivi’s playful yet challenging artworks.

A Blueprint for Italian Style

As well as its dedication to high fashion and Italian tailoring, Munich’s overall aesthetic hints at the city’s admiration for its Mediterranean neighbours. Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, colourful facades and lively squares, evokes the romance of Florence and Rome, while the iconic Marienplatz is a bustling hub of activity, reminiscent of charming piazzas.

The bold yellow facade of the Theatinerkirche was modelled on the church of Sant’Andrea della Valle in Rome, while the Feldherrnhalle is directly inspired by the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, albeit retaining some Bavarian flair. King Ludwig I brought home a deep affection for Italy from his studies in Rome, resulting in Roman-inspired neoclassical buildings lining the Ludwigstraße, from the sweeping Bazargebäude and the Palais Leuchtenberg to the Romanesque Revival of Neuschwanstein Castle.

Culinary Connections

Food, a universal language, is perhaps the greatest expression of cultural appreciation between cities. Munich’s love affair with Italian cuisine has long been a delightful complement to Germany’s traditional fare. The newest restaurant to enrich this vibrant culinary scene is Florio, a place to meet, dine, and take life at a more leisurely pace while enjoying a menu by world-renowned Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, paired with an all-Italian wine list.

Elevating the concept of ‘homemade’ with the uncomplicated sophistication embodied in Italian cuisine, Florio is an invitation to embrace la dolce vita with good food, good wine, and good company. Guests can experience the flavours of Italy made with local ingredients, with signature dishes such as Pumpkin Ravioli with butter, parmesan and seasonal truffle, Artichoke alla Romana, and Spaghetti with handpicked Costoluto tomatoes and basil - each a testament to Chef Fulvio’s pursuit of simplicity and profound respect for ingredients.

Evoking the relaxed glamour of Rome’s Hotel de Russie and Sicily’s historic Villa Igiea, Florio’s moss-green light-filled interiors are adorned with botanical prints and silvery olive trees, balancing the views over the Old Botanical Garden with a touch of Italian elegance.

As Munich embraces a slower rhythm through the winter months, enrich your break in Italy’s most northerly city with a taste of la dolce vita at Florio and a cosy stay at The Charles Hotel.