Onlookers point to the Town Hall at the launch of the carillon 1945-3; Photo; License article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown; Licensable; Rights: a9 Bleek/z̄b Media.
Onlookers Point to the Town Hall at the Launch of the Carillon 1945-3
Description
Onlookers point to the Town Hall at the launch of the carillon 1945-3. Munich’s Old Town was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city was severely hit by 74 Allied airstrikes during World War II. Particularly in 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that left large parts of the historical Old Town in ruins.
Extent of Destruction
Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate 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 Historical Monuments
Churches
Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
Theatine Church: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Severely 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 stood. 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.
National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
Bavarian State Library: Major parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
Munich’s Old Town was one of the most heavily 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 as modern elements have been incorporated.
