View from the Town Hall on the Destroyed Old Town of Munich 1945-2

Description

View from the Town Hall on the Destroyed Old Town of Munich 1945-2 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 turned large parts of the historic old town into rubble.
Extent of the Destruction
• Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with even higher rates in the city center.
• The Old Town was approximately 90% affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
• At 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
• Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
• Theatiner Church: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
• St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
• Asam Church: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
• Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls still stood. Particularly 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
• Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
• New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
• Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
• Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
• Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but preserved.
• Nationaltheater: Almost completely destroyed.
• Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The Old Town of Munich 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 city character was partially preserved, even though modern elements were incorporated.