Can you imagine Munich without the Marienplatz? This square is the heart of Munich. We are standing at the Marienplatz. It has been the city’s main square since 1158.
Marienplatz got its name from the Mariensäule. This Marian column stands in the square’s center. The column was erected in 1638. It celebrated the end of Swedish occupation. This happened during the Thirty Years’ War. Duke Elector Maximilian I of Bavaria made a vow. He promised to erect the column if Munich and Landshut were spared from war.
The Mariensäule is topped by a golden statue. It shows the Virgin Mary standing on a crescent moon. She is the Queen of Heaven. This statue was created in 1590. It was originally in the Frauenkirche. The Mariensäule in Munich was the first of its kind north of the Alps. It inspired other Marian columns in Europe.
Look closely at the column’s pedestal. You will see statues of four putti. Ferdinand Murmann created them. Each putto fights a different beast. These beasts symbolize the city’s overcoming of adversities. The lion represents war. The cockatrice symbolizes pestilence. The dragon stands for hunger or famine. The serpent represents heresy.
The Marienplatz is dominated by two town halls. The New Town Hall is on the north side. The Old Town Hall is on the east side. The New Town Hall was built between 1867 and 1909. It has a neo-Gothic style. The Old Town Hall is almost 400 years older.
The Glockenspiel is in the New Town Hall’s tower. It was inspired by medieval tournaments. It attracts millions of tourists every year. The pedestrian zone between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz is always crowded. There are many shops and restaurants here.
Markets and tournaments took place in Marienplatz during the Middle Ages. It was called Markth, Schranne and Schrannenplatz. The square was renamed Marienplatz on October 9, 1854. This happened after the grain market moved.
The New Town Hall houses the city government. The Old Town Hall hosts ceremonial events. The Munich Toy Museum is in the Old Town Hall’s tower.
You can get a great view of Marienplatz from above. Climb the tower of the New Town Hall. Or climb the tower of St Peter’s Church.
The Marienplatz is a place of public worship and prayer. The Marian Column serves as a memorial. It is a monument of thanksgiving.
The Glockenspiel re-enacts historical events. It shows the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V to Renate of Lorraine in 1568. It also shows the Schäfflertanz. This dance is said to have cheered up the population after a plague epidemic.
Three weeks before Christmas, the Christkindlmarkt opens at Marienplatz. It sells Christmas goods, food and drink.
Marienplatz is more than just a square. It is a symbol of Munich’s history. It is a place where people meet and celebrate. It is the heart of the city. Take a moment to appreciate the history and beauty around you.