View from the Carillon at the Munich Town Hall on Marienplatz 1945-3

Description

View from the Carillon at the Munich Town Hall on Marienplatz 1945-3 The old town of Munich was heavily destroyed in 1945 as the city suffered severely from 74 allied air raids during World War II. Particularly in 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombardments that left large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of the Destruction
2 Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with a higher percentage in the inner city.
2 The old town was about 90% affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
2 At the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, yet many buildings were later rebuilt.
Important damaged or destroyed historical monuments
Churches
2 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
2 Theatine Church: Dome and facade severely damaged.
2 St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
2 Asam Church: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
2 Munich Residence: Almost entirely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Especially affected were the Alte Residenz, the treasury, and the court chapel.
2 Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
2 Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
2 New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
2 Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
2 Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
2 Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but remained.
2 National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
2 Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, massive loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most heavily destroyed city centers in Germany. However, through the reconstruction after 1945—often with reconstructions of historical buildings—the original character of the city was partially preserved, even though modern elements were incorporated.