Perhaps you’ve wondered about this seemingly ordinary stone column. This is Burgfriedenssäule 5. It is more than just a marker. It whispers tales of Munich’s past.
Munich, or München as the Germans call it, boasts a history stretching back centuries. The Burgfriedenssäule 5 stands as a silent witness to this rich history. These town freedom columns once dotted the landscape around Munich. They marked the city’s boundary. The spatial scope of a castle trench was determined by the stones.
Imagine a time when city limits meant more than just lines on a map. The Burgfriedenssäule 5 defined the area within which Munich held sway. Only a few of these monuments remain today. They are precious links to a bygone era.
Of the five Burgfriedenssäulen preserved in Munich only two remain at their original location. Burgfriedenssäule 5 is not at its original site. The ones at the English Garden and Theresienwiese are.
The name Munich or M\u00fcnchen means Home of the Monks. Munich traces its origins to a Benedictine monastery. It was likely founded around 750 CE. Henry the Lion granted the monks the right to establish a market in 1157. It was where the road from Salzburg met the Isar River.
In 1255, Munich became the home of the Wittelsbach family. They would be closely connected to the town’s destiny for over 700 years. Louis I, king of Bavaria from 1825 to 1848, left his mark on Munich. He planned and created modern Munich. His architects established the city’s characteristic appearance.
The 19th century marked Munich’s greatest period of growth and development. The city’s population exploded from 100000 in 1854 to 500000 by 1900.
But Munich has a dark past too. In the aftermath of World War I, Munich became a hotbed of right-wing political ferment. Adolf Hitler joined the Nazi Party here.
World War II inflicted heavy damage on Munich. Allied bombing raids destroyed over 40 percent of its buildings.
Despite its past Munich has always found a way to rebuild. Today Munich is a major tourist destination. The city is famous for its beer and its annual Oktoberfest celebration.
The Burgfriedenssäule 5 connects us to the past. It is a reminder of how Munich became the city it is today. Next time you pass by Burgfriedenssäule 5 take a moment to reflect on the rich history.