View from the Town Hall over the Destroyed Old Town of Munich 1945-3

Description

View from the Town Hall over the destroyed old town of Munich 1945-3 The old town of Munich was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city was hit hard by 74 Allied air raids during World War II. Particularly in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that laid large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of destruction
 Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, in the city center the rate was even higher.
 The old town was affected by about 90%, including many significant 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.
Important damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
 Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
 St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Severely affected, tower damaged.
 Asam Church: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
f 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.
f Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
f Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained.
f New Town Hall on Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
f Marienplatz: Many buildings in the surrounding area damaged or destroyed.
f Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, rebuilt later.
Other significant buildings
f Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but preserved.
f National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
f Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, immense loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, through reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original character of the city was partially preserved, even if modern elements were incorporated.