Munich Frauenkirche 1945 5

Description

Munich Frauenkirche 1945; Photo; Licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown;a0 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 the Second World War. Particularly in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that reduced large parts of the historical old town to rubble.
Extent of the destruction
20 The total city was over 50% destroyed, in the inner city, the rate was even higher.
20 The old town was about 90% affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
20 By the war’s end in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Important damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
20 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
20 Theatiner Church: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
20 St. Peter’s Church (Munich’s oldest church): Severely hit, tower damaged.
20 Asam Church: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
20 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.
20 Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Halls & Squares
20 Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
20 New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building were damaged, but not completely destroyed.
20 Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings were damaged or destroyed.
20 Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
20 Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but preserved.
20 National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
20 Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.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, due to the reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original character of the city was partly preserved, even though modern elements have been incorporated.