Marienplatz is a public square in the heart of the city of Munich, the capital of Bavaria, Germany. The square is named after the Mariensäule, a Marian column erected in its centre in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation. It is a popular meeting place and tourist attraction, dominated by the neo-Gothic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) on its eastern side. It also contains the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and the Mariensäule.
History
The first documentary mention of the Marienplatz dates back to 1170. At that time, the square was an open area with a market. In the middle of the square stood a Mary column, which was already mentioned in the 14th century. The square was enlarged in the 16th century. The Old Town Hall was built in the 15th century and the New Town Hall in the 19th century.
Attractions
Marienplatz is home to several attractions, including the following:
Neues Rathaus
The Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) is a Neo-Gothic building constructed between 1867 and 1909. The building is the seat of the city government and also houses the Glockenspiel, a famous clock with 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures that come to life and perform two stories from Munich’s history twice a day.
Altes Rathaus
The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is a Renaissance building from the 16th century. It is now home to the Munich Toy Museum, where visitors can explore the history of toys from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Marienplatz S-Bahn Station
The Marienplatz S-Bahn Station is a major public transport hub in Munich, with connections to the U-Bahn, S-Bahn and Tram lines. The station also houses a shopping centre, offering a variety of shops and restaurants.
Events
Marienplatz is the venue for several events throughout the year, including the following:
- Munich Christmas Market: Held annually in December, the Munich Christmas Market is one of the largest in Europe, with more than 200 wooden stalls selling traditional Christmas treats, decorations and gifts.
- Oktoberfest: The world-famous Oktoberfest is held annually in September and October, and attracts millions of visitors from around the world. The festival is held in the Theresienwiese, just a short walk from Marienplatz.
- New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Marienplatz is the venue for the city’s annual New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.
Conclusion
Marienplatz is one of the most important public squares in Munich and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The square is home to several attractions, including the Neues Rathaus and the Mariensäule, and is the venue for several major events throughout the year.