House of Wittelsbach and the Story of Bavaria

The origins of Bavaria goes back to the Empire of Charlemagne. Bavaria gained independence from the Carolingian Emperors in 911. It was controlled by the Magyars (10th c.) and the Guelphs (Welfs) (1061-1180). Otto I of Wittelsbach then gained ascendancy, and founded a line which ruled Bavaria as a duchy (1180—1806), then as a kingdom until 1918. It became an electorate (1623). Bavaria suffered in the struggles between Prussia and Austria, but gained strength during the Napoleonic Wars. After leading the smaller states in the struggle against Prussia, it joined the German Empire (1871). During the period of the monarchy under Maximilian I, a united prosperous kingdom was shaped, with Napoleon gaining new lands and the royal dignity for Bavaria. Under Ludwig I, Munich was rebuilt as a classical city, while Ludwig II secured an enduring name for himself as both the patron of the composer Richard Wagner, and for his extravagant building projects. These over time have become one of the biggest and most enduring tourist attractions of the state and its legacy. This study will examine the history of Bavaria through the various stages of its political evolution, and assess its contribution to artistic heritage of Europe. The collections of the Alte and Neue Pinakothek, the Lembach House and other galleries mark an extraordinary achievement, while the opera house represents the celebration of musical drama to a high degree. The palaces of Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Kiemsee remain testament to the sustained realization of an individual’s vision of beauty.