Close-up of the Carillon at Munich City Hall Tower 1945-3

Description

Close-up of the Carillon at Munich City Hall Tower 1945-3; Photo; Licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown;a Licenseable; Rights: a9 Bleek/zb Media. 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. Especially in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that left large parts of the historical 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 historical monuments
Churches
(Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
: Dome and facade badly damaged.
(oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Old Residence, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
City Hall & Squares
: Severe damage, tower remained.
: Parts of the building damaged but not completely destroyed.
: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
: Facade damaged, but preserved.
: Almost completely destroyed.
: Large parts burned, enormous loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most destroyed city centers in Germany. However, through the reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original city character was partially preserved, even though modern elements were integrated.