Ferdinand Maria, Elector of Bavaria

Ferdinand Maria, elector of Bavaria (October 31, 1636 - May 26, 1679) was a Wittelsbach ruler of Bavaria and an elector (Kurfürst) of the Holy Roman Empire from 1651 to 1679.

He was born in Munich. He was the eldest son of Maximilian I, Elector of Bavaria - whom he succeeded, and his second wife Maria Anne , daughter of the emperor emperor Ferdinand II.

He was crowned on October 31, 1654. His absolutistic style of leadership became a benchmark for the rest of Germany

In 1664, he commissioned the building of Nymphenburg Palace, near Munich.

He married Henriette Adelaide of Savoy (d.1676), daughter of Victor Amadeus I of Savoy.

He died in Schleissheim Palace . He was succeeded by his son Maximilian II Emanuel, elector of Bavaria.

Issue

• Maria Anna Christina Victoria, duchess of Bavaria
• Maximilian II, Kurfürst of Bavaria
• Luise Margarete Antonie, duchess of Bavaria
• Ludwig Amadeus Victor, duke of Bavaria
• Kajetan Maria Franz, duke of Bavaria
• Clemens Kajetan , Kurfürst and archbishop of Cologne
• Violante Beatrix, duchess of Bavaria