Close-up of the Glockenspiel at Munich Town Hall 1945-1

Description

Close-up of the Glockenspiel at Munich Town Hall 1945-1 The old town of Munich was heavily destroyed in 1945, having been severely hit by 74 allied air raids during World War II. Especially in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that left large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of Destruction
Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with a higher rate in the city center.
The old town was about 90% 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 Monuments
Churches
Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
Peterskirche (Munich’s oldest church): Hit hard, tower damaged.
Asamkirche: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Alte Residenz, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
Old Town Hall: Heavily damaged, 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 preserved.
National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, enormous loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most heavily destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, through the reconstruction after 1945 — often with the restoration of historical buildings — the original city character was partially preserved, although modern elements have been integrated.