Glockenturm

Atop the Neues Rathaus, the Glockenturm watches over Munich. Have you ever looked up at the Glockenturm and wondered about the stories it could tell? The Glockenturm isn’t just a clock. It’s a stage for Munich’s vibrant history. Completed in 1908, the Glockenturm houses 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures. Every day, it performs a captivating spectacle. At 11 am and noon, and again at 5 pm from March to October, the Glockenturm comes alive. The show depicts two historical events. The first is the 1568 wedding of Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine. High above, mechanical knights joust, representing Bavaria and Lorraine. The Bavarian knight always emerges victorious. The second story portrays the Schäfflertanz, or coopers’ dance. This dance celebrates the end of a devastating plague in 1517. The coopers danced through the streets, encouraging people to emerge from their homes and embrace life again. Their courageous act became a symbol of resilience. It showed loyalty during a time of great fear. Today, the Schäfflertanz is still performed in Munich every seven years. As the performance concludes, a small golden rooster atop the Glockenturm chirps three times. It’s a charming signal that the show is over. In 2007, the Glockenturm underwent a significant restoration. The German Foundation for Monument Protection supported this project, ensuring the Glockenturm continues to share its stories with the world. So next time you are in Marienplatz, take a moment to appreciate the Glockenturm. It is more than just a clock. It is a living piece of Munich’s past, present, and future.