The market moved here in 1807 from Marienplatz, which had grown too crowded. Munich's educated middle class was using Latin words instead of German at the time. Vitualia means food, and the name stuck. The market developed from a simple farmers' market into Munich's gourmet food center, covering five acres with 140 stalls.

It nearly disappeared twice. After World War II, investors wanted the land for development. In the 1960s, planners proposed a highway straight through the square. Both times, Munich rejected the plans. Today the market sells exotic fruits, game, spices and cheese alongside lobster, caviar and truffles. Six fountains honor Munich celebrities, including comedian Lisl Karlstadt, Karl Valentin's partner until 1960.

The beer garden is the only one serving all six major Munich breweries on rotation. Löwenbräu, Hacker Pschorr, Augustiner, Spaten, Hofbräu and Paulaner switch every six weeks.

VoiceMap's self-guided audio tours reveal how Marienplatz outgrew its medieval market, explain the rotating brewery tradition, and trace the square's transformation from everyday groceries to delicatessen destination.