The Old Town Hall in Munich is one of the most popular attractions not only in the city itself, but in Germany as a whole. Erected at the end of the 14th century, the building has experienced not only many events, but also several major reconstructions over its centuries-old history.
The beginning of the story
It is believed that the first description of the Old Town Hall in Munich dates back to 1310. It was built on the eastern side of Marienplatz, where at the same time there was already a tower that served as a defensive structure. The gates of the tower were the main ones, through which food and various household goods were imported into the city. According to historical documents, it was in this place that one of the main road arteries of the country was located. It was along this road that merchants entered the city, drove cattle, troops passed along with all military weapons. A few decades later, an extensive hall was added to the tower, then some outbuildings. The city was expanding, and by the beginning of the 14th century the tower had lost its status as a defensive structure and turned into an ordinary tower underCity Hall.
The history of the Town Hall in Munich is quite rich. The building, in the form in which it is presented to tourists now, was built over a period of ten years, from 1470 to 1480. The work was supervised by the then famous master Jörg von Halsbach. Not far from the building there was a drinking house popular throughout the district. After the meetings in the Town Hall, all participants often moved there and it was there that they ended their negotiations.
Architectural changes
In 1460 lightning struck the building and caused serious damage. The late Gothic style that Jörg von Halsbach gave to the Old Town Hall in Munich survived until about the middle of the 16th century. Then it underwent reconstruction again, and the Renaissance architects introduced changes in the Renaissance style. In 1861, the building again underwent a major overhaul, now with the introduction of elements of the neo-Gothic style. By the way, the building got its name "Old Town Hall" during this period. The name has survived to this day. Until 1874, the Munich city council held meetings in the building. In 1874, he moved to a new building next door, and simply the Town Hall turned into the Old Town Hall.
Marienplatz
One of the main attractions for which tourists are willing to travel long distances is Marienplatz - the main square in Munich. The Old Town Hall is inextricably linked with it: when they talk about the square, they mean the Town Hall, and vice versa. All hiking trails lead to the centercity, to Marienplatz. During its centuries-old existence, the square has changed several names. Market Square - the first name, since the Wine Market, Egg, Sennoy, Fish, Meat Market were located on this territory. In addition, the market played the role of a temporary transshipment point. It was here that the S alt Road passed. With the development of arable farming and the spread of grain, the area received the name Grain in a few decades.
How to get to the Town Hall
In Munich, the address of the Old Town Hall is as follows: Marienplatz square, house 15. If you arrived in Munich on your own, then there are three ways to get to the city center: taxi, train or shuttle bus. Two lines of electric trains pass through the central station.
If you chose the shuttle bus, keep in mind that the average journey will take about an hour. The public transport stop is located at the main exit of the airport. Buses arrive on schedule with an interval of 20 minutes. The ticket price is about eight euros.
Taxis are easy to order at the airport terminal at special desks, you can use private cars or order transport yourself by downloading the application on your smartphone.
Kristallnacht
An event is connected with the Old Town Hall in Munich, which forever left a mark in the history of human development. Everyone knows that during the Second World War, the Nazis brutally persecuted and exterminated the Jews as a nation.
On the night of November 9-10, 1938year, a wave of well-coordinated pogroms swept across Nazi Germany. The robberies were committed by military detachments and individual citizens who sympathize with them. Only Jewish outlets and synagogues were attacked. All the windows in shops and buildings were smashed, shop windows were smashed to smithereens.
The reason for such massive destruction was the attack of a young Polish Jew on a German diplomat who served in the German Embassy in France. This attempt was perceived by the Nazi leaders as an attempt on the Fuhrer himself. This precedent became the starting point for the persecution and persecution of the Jews. And the halls of the Old Town Hall are the place where, according to historical documents, Hitler and his associates worked out the details of this operation.
Old town hall and war
The Nazis certainly gave the Old Town Hall in Munich a bad name. During the war, the tower was seriously damaged. In 1944, the tower and the main building of the Town Hall were completely destroyed by bombs that were dropped into the area by allied planes.
After the end of the war, ten years later, the restoration of the Old Town Hall building began. The famous architect Erwin Schleich took up this business. Reconstruction began in 1953. In five years, he managed to restore the Ballroom and several smaller rooms. The second phase of construction began in 1971. For four years, the masters managed to restore the tower. Two years later, the Council Hall was recreated. When recreating the general view of the Old Town Hall, experts were guided by its appearance in the 15th century. Therefore, the Neo-Gothic periodrestorations can be seen in pictures in architectural reference books and art books.
Toy Museum
In Munich, in the Old Town Hall on Marienplatz (the main square of the city), one of the most remarkable museums is located - the Toy Museum. Four floors of the building are allocated for exhibits. This is a significant part of it. The collection is very extensive. There are carousels, tin soldiers, animals, railways and trains. Several types of dolls: porcelain, wooden, there are even straw exhibits of American and European production.
The Steiger family owns the collection. The museum is open every day from 10.00 to 17.00, except for national holidays. The ticket will cost four euros. On the first floor, near the exit, there is a small souvenir shop where the sellers will be happy to help you choose a nice inexpensive present for your family and friends.
Tourists from Germany
Despite the fact that the Old Town Hall in Munich belongs to Germany and all the German people, there are tourists who come from other parts of the country on purpose. Not only people interested in history and architecture strive to get acquainted with the national treasure, to see it live, and not from the press or books. Munich is located in Bavaria - the most famous part of Germany, home to everyone's favorite Oktoberfest beer festival. People who come at this time of the year get acquainted with the sights of the city, and, of course, with the Old Town Hall.
Tourists from all over the world
Almost everyone dreams of riding around Europe. And Germany, as a country with a developed infrastructure, rich history and culture, occupies a leading position in popularity among tourists.
Acquaintance of tourists with Munich begins directly from the city center and its main attractions - Marienplatz, New and Old Town Hall. The latter, at first glance, does not particularly impress travelers. Its faded, somewhat "shabby" appearance and simple, even strict architecture does not fit in with its venerable age of seven hundred years. Tour guides tell the history of the Old Town Hall from its foundation in the early fourteenth century, the Middle Ages. Therefore, tourists initially imagine a pretentious Gothic building, decorated with mythical creatures, huge and gloomy. A deeper acquaintance softens the impressions of the Town Hall.
The interior decoration, the Ballroom and the Toy Museum delight tourists, especially those traveling with children. After taking tours of the building, most guests admit to being shocked and surprised by what they see. The museum's unique collection of American and European toys, the Soviets' Hall and secondary, utility rooms, despite multiple restorations, retain the spirit of old Munich. Those who got acquainted with Munich and its sights plan to come back here again and take with them a photo of the Old Town Hall in Munich. And, of course, cute German souvenirs.
