Munich Frauenkirche 1945 6

Description

Munich Frauenkirche 1945; Photo; Licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown;9 Licensable; Rights: a9 Bleek/zb Media. The Old Town of Munich 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 bombings that reduced large parts of the historic Old Town to rubble.
Extent of the Destruction
2 Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with a higher percentage in the city center.
2 The Old Town was roughly 90% affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
2 By the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, though many buildings were later rebuilt.
Key Damaged or Destroyed Monuments
Churches
2 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers survived.
2 Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
2 St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Severely hit, tower damaged.
2 Asam Church: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
2 Munich Residence: Almost entirely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Especially affected were the Old Residence, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
2 Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
2 Old Town Hall: Heavy damage, tower survived.
2 New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
2 Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
2 Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
2 Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but remained intact.
2 National Theatre: Almost completely destroyed.
2 Bavarian State Library: Large portions burned, enormous loss of historical documents.
The Old Town of Munich 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.