Onlookers point to the town hall during the commissioning of the carillon 1945-2

Description

Onlookers point to the town hall during the commissioning of the carillon 1945-2 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. Particularly 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, with an even higher rate 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.
Key damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof truss 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.
Castles & Residences
 Munich Residenz: Almost entirely burnt out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Old Residenz, 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.
 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 Bavarian State Library: Large parts burnt, huge loss of historical documents.
The Munich Old Town was one of the most severely destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, through the 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.