Feldherrnhalle Munich 1945 2

Description

Feldherrnhalle Munich 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 left large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of destruction
More than 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
Approximately 90% of the old town was affected, including many important 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.
Theatine Church: Dome and façade severely damaged.
St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Badly hit, tower damaged.
Asam Church: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
Munich Residenz: Almost completely burnt out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Old Residenz, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
Old Town Hall: Heavy 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 Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, a huge loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most heavily destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, through reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original character of the city was partially preserved, even if modern elements have been incorporated.