Carillon at Munich City Hall 1945-1

Description

Carillon at Munich City Hall 1945-1; Photo; Licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown; Licensable; Rights: © Bleek/zb Media.
The old town of Munich was severely destroyed in 1945 due to being heavily hit by 74 allied air raids during World War II. Particularly in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombardments that left large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of the destruction
Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
The old town was about 90% affected, including many significant historic buildings, churches, and squares.
At the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Important damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
Peterskirche (Munich’s oldest church): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
Asamkirche: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Old Residence, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
Old Town Hall: Severely damaged, tower remained.
New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building were damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged, but preserved.
National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, massive loss of historical documents.
Munich’s old town was one of the most heavily destroyed city centers in Germany. However, through reconstruction after 1945, often with reconstructions of historic buildings, the original city character was partially preserved, even though modern elements have been incorporated.