May 04 2011 3 mins 13
The Residenz was the palace of the Wittelsbach family, who ruled Bavaria for more than 700 years. The Wittelsbachs were always trying to keep up with the Habsburgs — their Austrian imperial rivals — and this extravagant, rococo palace was designed for maximum "show off." For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.
