Close Up of the Glockenspiel at Munich Town Hall 1945-4

Description

Close Up of the Glockenspiel at Munich Town Hall 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. Particularly in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombardments that reduced large parts of the historic old town to rubble.
Extent of the Destruction
% of the entire city was destroyed, with an even higher rate in the inner city.
• over 50
Approximately 90% of the old town was affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
• By the war’s end in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Important Damaged or Destroyed Monuments
Churches
• Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): 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.
Palaces & Residences
• Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. The Old Residence, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel were particularly affected.
• Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
• Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained.
• New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
• Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings were damaged or destroyed.
• Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
• Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged, but remained.
• National Theatre: Almost completely destroyed.
• Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, massive loss of historical documents.
The Munich old town was one of the most destroyed city centers in Germany. However, through reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historical buildings – the original city character was partially preserved, even though modern elements were incorporated.