Munich Frauenkirche 1945 2

Description

Munich Frauenkirche 1945 2 The old town of Munich was heavily destroyed in 1945 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 bombings that laid large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of destruction
26 0103Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with a higher rate in the city center.
026 0103The old town was affected by about 90%, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
026 0103By the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were rebuilt later.
Important damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
026 0103Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof trusses burned, towers remained intact.
026 0103Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade severely damaged.
026 0103St. Peter’s Church (Munich’s oldest church): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
026 0103Asam Church: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
026 0103Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Especially affected were the Old Residence, Treasury, and Court Chapel.
026 0103Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas were affected.
City Hall & Squares
026 0103Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
026 0103New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged but not completely destroyed.
026 0103Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
026 0103Viktualienmarkt: Largely destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
026 0103Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but survived.
026 0103National Theatre: Almost completely destroyed.
026 0103Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, enormous loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most heavily destroyed city centers in Germany. But through the reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original city character was partially preserved, even if modern elements have been incorporated.