Onlookers observe the commissioning of the carillon at Munich Town Hall 1945-4

Description

Onlookers observe the commissioning of the carillon at Munich Town Hall 1945-4 The Munich Old Town was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city was heavily hit by 74 Allied air raids during World War II. In particular, in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombardments that laid large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of Destruction
• Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with an even higher rate in the city center.
• The Old Town was affected by about 90%, including many significant historic buildings, churches, and squares.
• By the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Significant damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
• Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
• Theatiner Church: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
• St. Peter’s Church (Munich’s oldest church): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
• Asam Church: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & 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
• Old Town Hall: Heavy damage, tower survived.
• New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged but not completely destroyed.
• Marienplatz: Many buildings in the surrounding area damaged or destroyed.
• Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
• Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but remained intact.
• National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
• Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The Munich Old Town was one of the most heavily destroyed city centers 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 integrated.