Don't be surprised if, when you ask “How do I get to Karlsplatz?”, a German clarifies “Stachus?”. After all, that is what the locals are used to calling this square. The fact is that it received the name Karlsplatz from Karl Theodor, who ordered the square to be established on the site where the city's defensive structures once stood. But the people did not accept this name, preferring to use the word “Stachus”, which echoes the name of a small beer hall named after Saint Eustachius (Sankt Eustachius), located nearby.
One of the main attractions of this square is Karlstor, a gate named after the above-mentioned Karl. This is the only thing left of the walls of the ancient fortress.
Opposite is the Palace of Justice, built in 1891-1897. Looking at this magnificent building, it is hard to doubt that you really are standing before a palace! By the way, it still serves its true purpose to this day — sessions of the Supreme Court of Bavaria are held here.
The fountain built on Karlsplatz especially for the 1970 Olympic Games is also called “Stachus”. On hot days, children happily run through its curtain of water, and in the evenings dozens of people come here to watch how 30 multicolored spotlights create a unique play of water and light.
