View of ruins from the Carillon at the Town Hall Tower in Munich 1945-6; Photo; Licensed article; Original: 5740×4315; Photographer: Unknown; Licensable; Rights: © Bleek/zb Media.
View of Ruins from the Carillon at the Town Hall Tower in Munich 1945-6
Description
View of Ruins from the Carillon at the Town Hall Tower in Munich 1945-6 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 bombings that laid large parts of the historical old town in ruins. Extent of the destruction
52523949725 Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed; in the city center, the rate was even higher.
952523949725 About 90% of the old town was affected, including many significant historical buildings, churches, and squares.
952523949725 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
952523949725 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof destroyed, towers remained intact.
952523949725 Theatiner Church: Dome and facade severely damaged.
952523949725 St. Peter’s Church (Munich’s oldest church): Heavily hit, tower damaged.
952523949725 Asam Church: Interior damaged but not completely destroyed.
Palaces & Residences
952523949725 Munich Residence: Almost completely burned out, only parts of the outer walls remained. Especially affected were the Old Residence, the Treasury, and the Court Chapel.
952523949725 Nymphenburg Palace: Less damaged than other buildings, but some areas were affected.
Town Hall & Squares
952523949725 Old Town Hall: Severe damage, tower remained intact.
952523949725 New Town Hall at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
952523949725 Marienplatz: Many buildings in the vicinity damaged or destroyed.
952523949725 Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other significant buildings
952523949725 Feldherrnhalle: Façade damaged but remained intact.
952523949725 National Theater: Almost completely destroyed.
952523949725 Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
Munich’s old town was one of the most heavily destroyed inner cities in Germany. Yet, 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 introduced.
