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MARIENPLATZ

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Marienplatz, Munich, Germany
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2024
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2024

Large, square central square with two neo-Gothic town halls and a Mary column erected in 1638.

Marienplatz ("St. Mary's Square") is more than just the central square of old Munich; it's the meeting place and one of the symbols of the Bavarian city, the reflection of centuries of history, charged with political, cultural and identity dimensions dear to the hearts of Munich's citizens, it's always been the soul of the city. Since the founding of Munich in 1158 by Henry the Lion, Marienplatz has been the center and heart of the city. Here, the two main roads met, so that over the centuries it has been and still is decisive for urban development. During the Middle Ages, it served as a salt market. It was also used as a place of execution and jousting tournaments. In the 15thand 16thcenturies , it was used as a festive reception hall, for example during visits by the Emperor. It wasn't until 1481 that the buildings on the square (including the chapel) were demolished, creating a rectangular open space. Originally called Schrannen, the square was renamed Marienplatz in 1854 when the town council decided to dedicate the square to the patron saint to escape a cholera epidemic. In 1888, the first streetcars crossed the square from one end to the other. During the Second World War, the square was heavily bombed. Many buildings were destroyed, and the surrounding neighborhoods were badly damaged. Several buildings were rebuilt identically, while others were moved back several meters to enlarge the space even further. In 1966, work began on the new metro line, which changed the face of the square and was completed in 1971. Today, seven lines stop beneath the square, making it virtually impossible to visit Munich without passing Marienplatz at least once.

Today, this large pedestrian square is home to the two town halls, the old and the new, which dominate the entire space with their neo-Gothic style, while the Baroque and contemporary facades of the upper middle-class buildings compete in elegance and color. The centerpiece is the Mariensäule (Mary's Column), erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of the Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years' War. It is from this column that the square takes its name. The square once housed a market, but this was moved in 1807. In December, the square is occupied by the Christmas market, which gives it a warm, festive atmosphere. Every day at 11 and 12 a.m., or at 5 p.m. in summer, groups of tourists gather in the square to admire the spectacle of the automatons coming out of the famous carillon to give their demonstration. The buildings in the square are all well-maintained, making it a pleasant place to visit and highly representative of the town's history. As you stroll through old Munich, you'll pass, pass and pass again the Marienplatz, the nerve center of the entire city. There's so much to discover in Munich's historic center. Pass through, eat, drink, shop and admire the new Town Hall and its enchanting carillon, 88 meters high. The square is also the venue for numerous cultural and political events. If you want to take a photo without the crowds, try to get there early in the day.

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Members' reviews on MARIENPLATZ

4.6/5
19 reviews
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Jenny0622
Visited in june 2022
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Place iconique
Un des plus célèbres places de Munich, vous y passerez forcément lors de votre visite de la ville.
NathalieB
Visited in september 2019
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La place à voir à Munich
Très jolie place avec des bâtiments à l'architecture remarquable.
tysweet
Visited in october 2018
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Belle place avec une grande fontaine
Belle place centrale , c'est la première pour atteindre le centre ville jusqu'à l'hotel de ville
Ski52
Visited in june 2018
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La place
Plaçe centrale de Munich. Les deux hôtels de ville s’y trouvent . Endroit touristique qui mérite un arrêt. L’architecture tout autour est magnifique. On peut monter la tour de l’eglise Et admirer le tout du sommet. A heure fixe l’horloge de la nouvelle Hôtel de Ville s’actionne et l’on peut assister à un petit concert anime mecaniquement. Nous y étions pendant la fête de la ville en juin...endroit festif !
Elyssium
Visited in august 2018
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La place centrale de Munich est immanquable. Très belle, dynamique, touristique évidemment. Comment visiter la ville sans y passer ? Impossible.

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