Marienplatz, Munich
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Marienplatz - by Dirk Gonçalves Martins on Unsplash
Description
Marienplatz (meaning Mary's Square) has been Munich's main square since the city was founded in 1158. It was named after the "Marian column", a celebratory statue with the Virgen Mary atop of it, was erected in its centre in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years' War than engulfed the Holy Roman Empire. Mary is also the Patron / Protector of Bavaria. During the Middle Ages, the square was the site of tournaments and a large grain market. It has since been turned over to more administrative and pedestrian purposes, flanked by the New City Hall (with the famous Glockenspiel) and the Old City Hall. Every December, one of the country's most famous Christmas Markets (Christkindlmarkt) is set up there.
Access & Transport
The Marienplatz U-Bahn / S-Bahn station (U3, U6 and S1 to S8) has exits on the square The Marienplatz tram stop (12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 29) on Theatinerstraße is 300m to the north.
Instructions & Recommendations
The Glockenspiel comes into life daily at 11h and 12h (and 17h from March to October). This activity is best combined with St Peter's Church, Frauenkirche and wandering the various streets towards Karlsplatz or the Munich Residenz / Odeonsplatz.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally, there is no data at the neighbourhood level, but it is mostly concrete with few green spaces. Preserves the city's cultural and architectural heritages.
Conclusion
Marienplatz is in many ways the heart of the city; together with St Peter's it forms its historical core and has retained that place over the centuries. Severely damaged by the WW2 air raids, it was brought back to its previous splendour as one Germany's most impressive city squares. Unless you make it a point to avoid the most touristy sights there is no excuse not to visit it and its surrounding churches and streets.
Key positive
Surrounded by several building with striking designs
Very central and easy to get to (walk or underground/train)
Key negative
None
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 45m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo