Munich Frauenkirche 1945 3

Description

Munich Frauenkirche 1945; Photo; License article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown;a0 Licensable; Rights: a9 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. Particularly in the years 1944 and 1945, massive bombings laid large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of destruction
2 Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
2 The old city was about 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, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Important damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
2 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
2 Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade severely damaged.
2 Peterskirche (oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
2 Asamkirche: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
2 Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Alte Residenz, the treasury, and the court chapel.
2 Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas were affected.
City Hall & Squares
2 Old Town Hall: Severely damaged, tower remained intact.
2 New Town Hall on Marienplatz: Parts of the building were damaged, but not completely destroyed.
2 Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings were 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2 Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, massive loss of historical documents.
The Munich old town was one of the most heavily destroyed city centers 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 were incorporated.