Dachau

Dachau stands northwest of Munich above the Amper valley, where an elevated settlement overlooks the plains of Upper Bavaria. Its position combined a useful defensive site with access to agricultural country and routes towards the growing ducal capital. Farming households supplied grain, animals and other produce, while craftsmen and traders served the town and neighbouring estates. The surrounding landscape included secular lordships and religious institutions whose landholding shaped local society.

The Wittelsbach dukes acquired Dachau's castle and lordship in 1182. Between 1546 and 1577 they rebuilt the castle as a Renaissance palace. During the Thirty Years' War Swedish forces besieged and plundered the market town; a battle was fought nearby in 1648. The palace was remodelled in the Baroque style in 1715–1717 and served for a time as a country residence of the Munich court.