Munich Frauenkirche 1945 4

Description

Munich Frauenkirche 1945; Photo; Licensed item; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown;a0 Licensable; Rights: a9 Bleek/zb Media. Munich’s old town was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city was severely impacted by 74 Allied air raids during World War II. Particularly in 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that turned large parts of the historic old town into rubble.
Extent of Destruction
0902 Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with a higher rate in the inner city.
0902 About 90% of the old town was affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
0902 At the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were rebuilt later.
Important damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
0902 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
0902 Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
0902 Peterskirche (oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
0902 Asamkirche: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
0902 Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Old Residence, the Treasure Chamber, and the Court Chapel.
0902 Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Halls & Squares
0902 Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained.
0902 New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
0902 Marienplatz: Many buildings in the vicinity damaged or destroyed.
0902 Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, rebuilt later.
Other significant buildings
0902 Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but remained.
0902 National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
0902 Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
Munich’s old town was one of the most heavily destroyed city centers in Germany. However, through the reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original character of the city was partially preserved, even if modern elements have been incorporated.