Ruins and Rubble in Munich’s Old Town May 1945. Ruined landscape in the Old Town, Munich – May 1945
Munich’s Old Town lies in ruins in May 1945. The once narrow, bustling alleys are barely recognizable – where historic buildings stood, only burned-out facades now reach into the sky. Around 70% of the city is destroyed, whole streets consist only of heaps of rubble and charred walls.
People cautiously make their way through the rubble, some laden with carts, others searching for anything useful. The city’s landmarks, like the Old Town Hall or the Frauenkirche, are severely marked, roofs missing, window holes stare blankly.
An oppressive silence lies over the scene – only the distant sound of clean-up work breaks it. Munich is a city of ruins, yet amidst the destruction, the first step towards reconstruction has already begun.