Onlookers Point at the Town Hall During the Glockenspiel’s Operation 1945-1

Description

Onlookers point at the Town Hall during the Glockenspiel’s operation in 1945-1. 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 left large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of Destruction
• Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
• The old town was affected by about 90%, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
• At 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 truss burned, towers remained intact.
• Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
• Peterskirche (oldest church in Munich): Severely hit, tower damaged.
• Asamkirche: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
• Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, 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 damaged but not completely destroyed.
• Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings 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• Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.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 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 character of the city was partially preserved, even though modern elements have been incorporated.