Feldherrnhalle Munich 1945 1

Description

Feldherrnhalle Munich 1945 1 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 left large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of the destruction
Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with an even higher rate in the city center.
The old town was about 90% affected, including many significant historical 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 (oldest church in Munich): Strongly hit, tower damaged.
Asamkirche: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
Munich Residence: Almost completely burnt down, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Alte Residenz, the treasury, and the court chapel.
Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Halls & Squares
Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Marienplatz: Many buildings in the vicinity damaged or destroyed.
Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but remained intact.
National Theatre: Almost completely destroyed.
Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, through the reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original character of the city was partially preserved, although modern elements have been incorporated.