View from the Carillon at Munich Town Hall to Marienplatz 1945-2

Description

View from the Carillon at Munich Town Hall to Marienplatz 1945-2 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 bombardments that turned large parts of the historic old town into rubble.
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 historic buildings, churches, and squares.
• By the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Major damaged or destroyed monuments
Churches
• Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady): Roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
• Theatine Church: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
• St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
• Asam Church: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
• Munich Residenz: Almost completely burned 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 intact.
• New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
• Marienplatz: Many buildings in the surrounding area 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• Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.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 heavily destroyed city centers in Germany. However, through reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historic buildings – the original character of the city was partially preserved, even though modern elements have been incorporated.