Onlookers observe the commissioning of the carillon at Munich Town Hall 1945-3

Description

Onlookers observe the commissioning of the carillon at Munich Town Hall 1945-3 The Munich old town was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city was severely hit by 74 Allied air raids during the Second World War. 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
 More than 50% of the entire city was destroyed, the rate was even higher in the city center.
 About 90% of the old town was affected, 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 Architectural Monuments
Churches
 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
 Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
 Peterskirche (Munich’s oldest church): Severely hit, tower damaged.
 Asamkirche: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
 Munich Residenz: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Alte Residenz, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
 Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas were 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 buildings in the vicinity damaged or destroyed.
 Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
 Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but preserved.
 National Theatre: Almost completely destroyed.
 Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The Munich old town 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 have been incorporated.