Chain of Children Clearing Rubble in Munich 1945-4

Description

Chain of Children Clearing Rubble in Munich 1945-4 The old town of Munich was heavily destroyed in 1945, as the city was severely hit during the Second World War by 74 Allied air raids. Particularly in the years 1944 and 1945, there were massive bombings that reduced large parts of the historic old town to rubble.
Extent of Destruction
• Over 50% of the entire city was destroyed, with even higher rates in the city center.
• About 90% of the old town was affected, including many significant historic buildings, churches, and squares.
• By the war’s end in 1945, Munich was a landscape of ruins, but many buildings were later rebuilt.
Notable Damaged or Destroyed Historical Monuments
Churches
• Frauenkirche (Munich Cathedral): Roof structure burned, towers remained intact.
• Theatinerkirche: Dome and facade heavily damaged.
• Peterskirche (Munich’s oldest church): Severely hit, tower damaged.
• Asamkirche: Interior damaged, but not completely destroyed.
Castles & Residences
• Munich Residence: Almost entirely burned out, only parts of the outer walls were left standing. 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 at Marienplatz: Parts of the building damaged, but not completely destroyed.
• Marienplatz: Many buildings in the vicinity damaged or destroyed.
• Viktualienmarkt: Large sections destroyed, later rebuilt.
Other Significant Buildings
• Feldherrnhalle: Façade damaged, but remained intact.
• National Theatre: Almost completely destroyed.
• Bavarian State Library: Large parts burned, massive loss of historical documents.
The old town of Munich was one of the most heavily destroyed city centers in Germany. However, through reconstruction after 1945 – often with reconstructions of historic buildings – the original city character was partially preserved, although modern elements have been incorporated.