Since 1158, Marienplatz (meaning “Virgin Mary Square” or “Our Lady’s Square”) has been the centerpiece of Munich. Originally named “Schrannen” after a town in Austria, the square was renamed “Marienplatz” as a means of asking the Virgin Mary to protect the town. This new name derived from a religious column (known as the “Mariensule”). Originally sculptured in 1590 and erected in the square in 1638, to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation following the Thirty Years War, the gilded statue on top of the column depicts Mary, as the “Queen of Heaven”, standing on a crescent moon.
During the Middle Ages, Marienplatz played host to markets, festivals, and tournaments. On the east side of the square is the Old Town Hall. Completely destroyed by fire in 1460, it was rebuilt between 1470 and 1480. By the mid-to-late 19th century, this building was deemed too small for the city’s administrative offices. So, a larger (300 feet long and 250 feet tall) town hall was constructed in the Flemish Gothic style. The Old Town Hall was once again destroyed during World War II, only to be rebuilt according to its original 15th century plans.
The new town hall’s bell tower contains the famous 100 year old (1908) Glockenspiel with 32 life-size figures depicting historic scenes from Munich’s past. At 11:00 am, 12 noon, and 5:00 pm, the Glickenspiel entertains visitors as the figures perform the “Cooper’s Dance” (originally created to celebrate the end of the plague in 1517). Nearby is the small “Fish Fountain,” symbolizing the square serving as a former farmer’s market. This was also destroyed during World War II, later (1954) being rebuilt.
During the Middle Ages, Marienplatz played host to markets, festivals, and tournaments. On the east side of the square is the Old Town Hall. Completely destroyed by fire in 1460, it was rebuilt between 1470 and 1480. By the mid-to-late 19th century, this building was deemed too small for the city’s administrative offices. So, a larger (300 feet long and 250 feet tall) town hall was constructed in the Flemish Gothic style. The Old Town Hall was once again destroyed during World War II, only to be rebuilt according to its original 15th century plans.
The new town hall’s bell tower contains the famous 100 year old (1908) Glockenspiel with 32 life-size figures depicting historic scenes from Munich’s past. At 11:00 am, 12 noon, and 5:00 pm, the Glickenspiel entertains visitors as the figures perform the “Cooper’s Dance” (originally created to celebrate the end of the plague in 1517). Nearby is the small “Fish Fountain,” symbolizing the square serving as a former farmer’s market. This was also destroyed during World War II, later (1954) being rebuilt.
First documented in 1310, the Old Town Hall housed Munich’s municipal offices. Remnants of the city’s first wall, known as the “Talburg Gate” serve as the spire for the building.
Munich’s name derived from the religious Mariensule column in the center of the square.
Sculptured in 1590, the gilded statue was erected in the center of the square in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation following the Thirty Years War.
Just a few steps from the Mariensule column is the “Fish Fountain” which symbolizes the square’s use as a farmer’s market over the years.
Designed in the Flemish Gothic style, the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) has assumed the role of centerpiece of the square.
Situated on the facade of the New Town Hall’s bell tower, the 100 year old Glockenspiel is a favorite tourist attraction.
Along the eastern edge of the Marienplatz is the new location for Munich’s farmer’s market.
Because of a high illiteracy rate during the Middle-Ages, towns adopted sign post such as this one in the farmer’s market to indicate the location of various services; e.g. the barrels on the lower left indicating a barrel maker; and the horses on the lower right could indicate a stable and/or a blacksmith.
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