View of Ruins from Carillon at Town Hall Tower in Munich 1945-9; Photo; License article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown; Licensable; Rights: 9 Bleek/zb Media.
View of Ruins from Carillon at Town Hall Tower in Munich 1945-9
Description
View of Ruins from Carillon at Town Hall Tower in Munich 1945-9 The Old Town of Munich was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city was severely hit by 74 Allied air strikes 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 the 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 significant historic buildings, churches, and squares.
At the war’s end in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Major Damaged or Destroyed Monuments
Churches
Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
Theatine Church: Dome and façade heavily damaged.
St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Severely hit, tower damaged.
Asam Church: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
Munich Residence: Almost completely burned, only parts of the outer walls remained. 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 were damaged but not completely destroyed.
Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
Feldherrnhalle: Façade damaged but remained intact.
National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
Bavarian State Library: Major parts burned, enormous loss of historical documents.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 historic buildings – the original city character was partially preserved, even though modern elements have been incorporated.
