Close-up of the Glockenspiel at Munich City Hall 1945-2; Photo; Licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown;0Licensable; Rights: 9Bleek/zb Media.
Close-up of the Glockenspiel at Munich City Hall 1945-2
Description
Close-up of the Glockenspiel at Munich City Hall 1945-2 The Munich Old Town was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city was severely hit by 74 Allied air raids during the Second World War. Particularly in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that left large parts of the historic old town in rubble.
Extent of the destruction
0% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
0% of the old town was affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
y 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
rauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
hurch of St. Cajetan (Theatinerkirche): Dome and façade severely damaged.
hurch of St. Peter (oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
sam Church: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
Munich Residenz: Almost completely burnt out, only parts of the outer walls were standing. Particularly affected were the Alte Residenz, the treasury, and the court chapel.
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 buildings in the surroundings damaged or destroyed.
Viktualienmarkt: Largely destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
Feldherrnhalle: Façade damaged, but remained intact.
National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, massive loss of historical documents.
The Munich Old Town was one of the most heavily destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, through reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original city character was partially preserved, even though modern elements have been incorporated.
