Munich Frauenkirche 1945 1

Description

Munich Frauenkirche 1945 1 The historic center of Munich was heavily damaged 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 turned large parts of the historic old town into rubble.
Extent of Destruction
2 Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate even higher in the city center.
2 About 90% of the old town was affected, including many significant historic buildings, churches, and squares.
2 By 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
2 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
2 Theatine Church: Dome and façade severely damaged.
2 St. Peter’s Church (Munich’s oldest church): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
2 Asam Church: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
2 Munich Residenz: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained standing. Particularly affected were the Old Residenz, 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: Severe damages, tower remained intact.
2 New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
2 Marienplatz: Many buildings in the vicinity damaged or destroyed.
2 Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
2 Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged, but remained preserved.
2 National Theatre: Almost completely destroyed.
2 Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, massive loss of historic documents.
The historic center of Munich was one of the most heavily destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, the rebuilding after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historic buildings – partially preserved the original character of the city, even though modern elements have been incorporated.