Onlookers observe the commissioning of the carillon at Munich City Hall 1945-1

Description

Onlookers observe the commissioning of the carillon at Munich City Hall 1945-1. The old town of Munich was heavily destroyed in 1945 because 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 reduced large parts of the historic old town to rubble.
Extent of destruction
• Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate even higher in the city center.
• The old town was about 90% 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.
• Theatiner Church: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
• St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Seriously hit, tower damaged.
• Asam Church: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
• Munich Residenz: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls were still standing. The Old Residenz, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel were particularly affected.
• Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
City Hall & Squares
• Old City Hall: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
• New City Hall at 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 remained intact.
• National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
• Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most severely 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 though modern elements were incorporated.