View from the Carillon at Munich Town Hall on Ruins 1945-4

Description

View from the Carillon at Munich Town Hall on Ruins 1945-4 In 1945, Munich’s old town was heavily destroyed as the city was severely hit by 74 Allied air raids during World War II. Especially in 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombardments that leveled large parts of the historic old town.
Extent of the Destruction
D Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with the rate being even higher in the city center.
D About 90% of the old town was affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
D By the end of the war in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Important Monuments Damaged or Destroyed
Churches
D Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
D Theatine Church: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
D St. Peter’s Church (Munich’s oldest church): Highly hit, tower damaged.
D Asam Church: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
D Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Particularly affected were the Old Residence, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
D Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas affected.
Town Hall & Squares
D Old Town Hall: Severe damages, tower remained preserved.
D New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged but not completely destroyed.
D Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
D Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
D Field Marshals’ Hall: Facade damaged but remained intact.
D National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
D Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, enormous loss of historical documents.
Munich’s old town was one of the most severely destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, through the 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.