US Trucks and Excavator at Munich City Hall 1945-1

Description

US Trucks and Excavator at Munich City Hall 1945-1; Photo; Licensed Article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown; Licensable; Rights: © Bleek/zb Media. The old town of Munich was severely destroyed in 1945, as the city was heavily hit by 74 allied air raids during World War II. Especially in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that turned large parts of the historic old town into rubble.
Extent of Destruction
Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with even higher rates 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.
(Munich’s oldest church): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
Munich Residence: Almost completely burned; 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 were affected.
City Hall & Squares
: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
: Large sections destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
: Facade damaged but preserved.
: Almost completely destroyed.
: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most 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 have been introduced.