Marienplatz

Marienplatz has been the heart of Munich's old town since the city's founding in 1158, today serving as the central hub of its pedestrian zone. The neo-Gothic New Town Hall, built between 1867 and 1909, dominates the northern edge with its elaborately carved sandstone facade and tower. The tower's famous Glockenspiel — one of Europe's largest carillon clock performances — reenacts scenes from Munich's history twice daily at 11am and noon, including a jousting tournament staged for the 1568 wedding of Duke Wilhelm V. The gilded Mariensäule column at the square's center was erected in 1638 as a thanksgiving offering after Munich was spared from plague and Swedish invasion during the Thirty Years' War. At Christmas the square hosts one of Bavaria's best-known Advent markets; in February it becomes the focal point of Munich's Fasching carnival.

Munich's central square since the 12th century. Neo-Gothic New Town Hall with the glockenspiel at 11am and noon, Frauenkirche in the background.