In the middle of the cosmopolitan city of Munich lies the famous Marienplatz. Numerous sights, exclusive restaurants and legendary events make the square the hub of public life. Munich's Marienplatz is known all over the world and is the destination of millions of tourists every year. With the Mariensäule and the two towers of the Liebfrauendom, the Marienplatz is one of the landmarks of the Bavarian capital.
Heart of the city of Munich and the Free State of Bavaria
The history of Munich's Marienplatz goes back to the city's founding in 1158. Since the two main streets of the city crossed there, Henry the Lion made the Marienplatz the center of Munich and it has remained so until today. However, the square only acquired its now world-famous name on 9 October 1854, before which it was called Marktplatz and Schrannenplatz.
Marienplatz would be unimaginable without the Patrona Bavariae. This monument was erected by Elector Maximilian I in 1638. Many times in the past the city and state fathers entrusted the region to the patroness of Bavaria and still today the Mariensäule is a visitor magnet. The importance that Munich's Marienplatz already had in the earliest times is also testified by the fact that it is the centre of the distance measurement, which was carried out in the 19th century.
The sights at the Marienplatz
Numerous events take place on the popular square every year, including the Munich Christmas Market. The Glockenspiel at the New Town Hall can be experienced several times each day. Both the New and Old Town Halls are monumental buildings on Munich's Marienplatz and are among the city's sights. Also very popular with tourists is the "enchanting Juliet". A statue at the Old Town Hall, which is gladly covered with flowers by passers-by.
Of historical importance is also the fish fountain on Marienplatz. It is said to have already existed in the Middle Ages, but had to be rebuilt due to damage caused by the Second World War. Since 2019, the Kräutlmarkt fountain has even been gushing drinking water quality water.
The square, which measures around 5000 square metres, is a pedestrian zone throughout. Numerous department stores also make the square a popular promenade for tourists and other visitors.
