US trucks and excavator at Munich Town Hall 1945-2

Description

US trucks and excavator at Munich Town Hall 1945-2; Photo; Licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown;0 Licensable; Rights: 0 Bleek/zb Media. The Munich old town was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city suffered severe hits during World War II from 74 allied air strikes. Especially in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that laid large parts of the historic old town in ruins.
Extent of the destruction
Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, in the downtown, the rate was even higher.
The old town was about 90% affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
At 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
(Munich Cathedral): Roof truss burned, towers remained intact.
: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
(oldest church in Munich): Severely hit, tower damaged.
: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
Munich Residence: Almost completely burnt out, only parts of the outer walls were left. 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
: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
: Many buildings in the surroundings damaged or destroyed.
: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
: Facade damaged but preserved.
: Almost completely destroyed.
: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The Munich old town was one of the most heavily destroyed downtowns in Germany. Yet, through reconstruction after 1945 3 often with reconstructions of historical buildings 3 the original city character was partially preserved, even if modern elements have been incorporated.