Close-up of the Glockenspiel at the Munich Town Hall Tower 1945-1

Description

Close-up of the Glockenspiel at the Munich Town Hall Tower 1945-1; 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 World War II. Especially in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that reduced large parts of the historic old town to rubble.
Extent of Destruction
Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate even higher in the city center.
About 90% of the old town was affected, including many important historical buildings, churches, and squares.
By the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Major damaged or destroyed architectural monuments
Churches
(Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
: Dome and façade heavily damaged.
(oldest church in Munich): Severely hit, tower damaged.
: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Especially affected were the Old Residence, the treasury, and the court chapel.
Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
: Many buildings in the vicinity damaged or destroyed.
: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
: Façade damaged, but preserved.
: Almost completely destroyed.
: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
Munich’s old town was one of the most severely 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 though modern elements have been incorporated.