Chain of Children Clears Debris in Munich 1945-3

Description

Chain of Children Clears Debris in Munich 1945-3 The Munich old town was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city was severely hit by 74 allied air raids during World War II. Especially in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that turned large parts of the historic old town into rubble.
Extent of the destruction
Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, the rate in the city center was even higher.
Approximately 90% of the old town was affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
At the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, yet many buildings were later rebuilt.
Important damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): 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.
Palaces & Residences
Munich Residenz: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. The Alte Residenz, the treasury, and the court chapel were particularly affected.
Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
Old Town Hall: Heavy damage, tower remained.
New Town Hall on Marienplatz: Parts of the building 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 retained.
National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The Munich 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 character of the city was partially preserved, though modern elements have been incorporated.