View from the Carillon at Munich Town Hall on Rubble 1945-2

Description

View from the Carillon at Munich Town Hall on Rubble 1945-2 In 1945, Munich’s Old Town was heavily destroyed, as the city was severely 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 historical buildings, churches, and squares.
By 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 (Cathedral of Our Lady): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade severely damaged.
Peterskirche (Munich’s oldest church): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
Asamkirche: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
Munich Residence: Almost completely burned down, only parts of the outer walls were still standing. 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: Severe damage, tower remained preserved.
New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building were damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but remained preserved.
National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
Munich’s Old Town was one of the most heavily destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, through the rebuilding after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original character of the city was partially preserved, even though modern elements have been incorporated.