Onlookers watch the commissioning of the carillon at the Munich Town Hall 1945-5

Description

Onlookers watch the commissioning of the carillon at the Munich Town Hall 1945-5 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. Particularly in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that reduced large parts of the historic old town to rubble.
Extent of the destruction
c Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
c The old town was about 90% affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
c At the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were rebuilt later.
Important damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
c Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof framework burned, towers remained.
c Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade severely damaged.
c St. Peter’s Church (the oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
c Asam Church: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
c Munich Residenz: Almost entirely burned out, only parts of the outer walls were still standing. Particularly affected were the Old Residenz, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
c Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
c Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained.
c New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
c Marienplatz: Many buildings in the surrounding area damaged or destroyed.
c Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
c Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but remained intact.
c National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
c Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, enormous loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most severely destroyed city centers in Germany. However, through reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original city character was partially preserved, even though modern elements have been incorporated.