The manhole covers in Munich display the “Münchner Kindl”. It is a character you also see in the city arms. Though in the Bavarian dialect, Münchner Kindl literally means Munich child, the original meaning of the figure was a monk or friar.
The Münchner Kindl
Today, you find the Münchner Kindl on many pieces in Munich. Sometimes, the book is replaced by symbols typical of the Bavarian capital. For example, you often see the Münchner Kindl with a beer mug.
City arms of Munich
The city arms of Munich and the related seals changed over time. On the facade of the Old Town Hall, I found an overview of several changes.
Sources / More info
- Coat of arms of Munich (Wikipedia)
- Münchner Kindl (Wikipedia)