US-Truck and Excavator at Munich City Hall 1945-4

Description

US-Truck and Excavator at Munich City Hall 1945-4; Photo; Licensed Article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown;0A Licensed; Rights: A © Bleek/zb Media. The Munich Old Town 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 reduced large parts of the historic old town to rubble.
Extent of the 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 Monuments
Churches
(Munich Cathedral): Roof trusses burned, towers remained intact.
: Dome and facade severely 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 intact.
: Parts of the building damaged but not completely destroyed.
: Many buildings in the vicinity damaged or destroyed.
: Major parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
: Facade damaged but preserved.
: Almost completely destroyed.
: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.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 city character was partially preserved, even though modern elements have been incorporated.