Chain of Children Clearing Rubble in Munich 1945-1

Description

Chain of Children Clearing Rubble in Munich 1945-1 The Old Town of Munich 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 reduced large parts of the historical Old Town to rubble.
Extent of Destruction
 Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with a higher rate in the inner city.
 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.
Key Damaged or Destroyed Architectural Monuments
Churches
 Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
 Theatiner Church: Dome and facade severely damaged.
 Peterskirche (oldest church in Munich): Heavily 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. 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 on Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
 Marienplatz: Many surrounding buildings damaged or destroyed.
 Viktualienmarkt: Large parts destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
 Feldherrnhalle: Facade damaged but remained intact.
 National Theatre: Almost completely destroyed.
 Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, huge loss of historical documents.
The Old Town of Munich was one of the most destroyed inner cities in Germany. However, through 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.