Close Up of the Glockenspiel at Munich City Hall 1945-7

Description

Close Up of the Glockenspiel at Munich City Hall 1945-7 The Munich Old Town 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 bombardments that reduced large parts of the historic Old Town to rubble.
Extent of Destruction
b Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
b The Old Town was about 90% affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
b At the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, yet many buildings were later rebuilt.
Important Damaged or Destroyed Monuments
Churches
b Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof truss burnt, towers remained intact.
b Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
b St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
b Asam Church: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
b Munich Residence: Almost entirely burnt out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Alte Residenz, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
b Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
City Hall & Squares
b Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained.
b New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged but not completely destroyed.
b Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
b Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
b Field Marshal’s Hall: Facade damaged but remained.
b National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
à Âb Bavarian State Library: Large parts burnt, vast loss of historical documents.
The Munich Old Town was one of the most heavily 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, even though modern elements were incorporated.