Close-Up of the Carillon at Munich Town Hall 1945-3

Description

Close-Up of the Carillon at Munich Town Hall 1945-3 The Munich Old Town 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 Destruction
• Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with a higher rate 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 reconstructed.
Important Damaged or Destroyed Architectural Monuments
Churches
• Cathedral of Our Dear Lady (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
• Theatine Church: Dome and facade severely damaged.
• St. Peter’s Church (oldest church in Munich): Severely hit, tower damaged.
• Asam Church: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
• Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained standing. 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 buildings in the vicinity damaged or destroyed.
• Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
• Field Marshall’s Hall: Facade damaged, but preserved.
• National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
• Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
Munich’s Old Town was one of the most heavily destroyed city centers in Germany. However, through reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original city character was partly preserved, even if modern elements have been incorporated.