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Marienplatz has been the geographical and cultural heart of Munich since 1158. The town square is home to important buildings such as the Old and New Town Halls.
Marienplatz has been the geographical and cultural heart of Munich since 1158. The town square is home to important buildings such as the Old and New Town Halls.
The picturesque square known as Marienplatz has been at the heart and soul of Munich since the city's founding. While its current name has its origins in the famous Marian column in the center of the square, it was originally called Schrannenplatz, or grain market square, as It was the main market in the Middle Ages.
Marienplatz has hosted important public events and celebrations throughout its existence, and over the years has managed to maintain its role as one of Munich's most beloved areas.
Walking around the field
Today Marienplatz is surrounded by some of the city's most iconic places:
Mariensäule, or St. Mary's Column: erected in the center of the square in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation, it is topped by a golden statue of the Virgin Mary and flanked by four cupids symbolizing Munich's victory over war and the plague. and the plague. Heresy and famine.
Neues Rathaus or New Town Hall: A stunning Neo-Gothic building that has been home to the city's government offices since it opened in 1874. You can climb its tower for views of Munich for just €3.
Rathaus Glockenspiel: In addition to the hideous gargoyle and dragon climbing the tower, the facade of the Neues Rathaus also features a glockenspiel. Every day at 11 a.m. and 12 noon (and 5 p.m. in the summer) the 43 bells and 32 figures of this "cuckoo clock" replay a historic tournament and the Schäfflertanz, or Cooper dance.
Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall: With over 500 years of history and many stories surrounding it, the former government building has maintained its medieval appearance despite several rebuilds over the years.
Fischbrunnen: Located in front of the New Town Hall, this fountain can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Designed in 1864 and rebuilt after its destruction in World War II, the current Fischbrunnen remains one of the city's most popular meeting points.
Charming and not to be missed
The heart and soul of the Altstadt (Old Town), Marienplatz is Munich, and well worth enjoying. Plan your visit around the Glockenspiel bells!