Onlookers point to the Town Hall at the inauguration of the carillon 1945-4; Photo; Licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown; Licensable; Rights: a9 Bleek/zb Media.
Onlookers point to the Town Hall at the inauguration of the carillon 1945-4
Description
Onlookers point to the Town Hall at the inauguration of the carillon 1945-4 The Munich Old Town was heavily destroyed in 1945 as the city was severely hit by 74 Allied air raids during World War II. In particular, there were massive bombings in 1944 and 1945 that left large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of Destruction
d Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, and the rate was even higher in the city center.
d The old town was about 90% affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
d At the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Key damaged or destroyed architectural monuments
Churches
d Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
d Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
d Peterskirche (oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
d Asamkirche: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
d Munich Residenz: Almost entirely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. The Alte Residenz, the treasury, and the court chapel were particularly affected.
d Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
d Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
d New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
d Marienplatz: Many nearby buildings were damaged or destroyed.
d Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
d Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but preserved.
d National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
d Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The Munich Old Town was one of the strongest 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 incorporated.