View from the carillon at the Munich Town Hall to the Marienplatz 1945-1

Description

View from the carillon at the Munich Town Hall to the Marienplatz 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. Especially in the years 1944 and 1945, massive bombings laid large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of the destruction
Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
About 90% of the old town was affected, 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 landmarks
Churches
Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned down, towers remained intact.
Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade severely damaged.
Peterskirche (oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
Asamkirche: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Especially 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: Heavy 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 preserved.
National Theatre: Almost completely destroyed.
Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, massive loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich 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 though modern elements have been incorporated.