Marienplatz has been the heart of Munich since the city was founded. Markets, tournaments and celebrations have filled the square for centuries, and today it is where almost every visit to Munich begins.
The New Town Hall
The neo-Gothic New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) fills the north side of the square. It was built in stages between 1867 and 1908 to designs by Georg von Hauberrisser, and its richly carved façade is covered with statues of Bavarian rulers, saints and figures from legend.
The Glockenspiel
In the tower, life-size figures come to life every day at 11:00 and 12:00, and also at 17:00 from March to October. The upper level re-enacts a tournament held for the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine in 1568; below, the coopers perform their dance, which according to tradition celebrated the end of a plague. The show lasts around 12–15 minutes.
Also on the square
- The Marian Column (Mariensäule), raised in 1638, gave the square its name.
- The Old Town Hall, at the eastern end, has a Gothic tower that houses a toy museum.
- Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s food market, is a two-minute walk away.
Tips
- Arrive 10 minutes early for the Glockenspiel and stand near the Fish Fountain for a good view.
- Take the lift up the town hall tower for a view over the Frauenkirche and the Old Town (check the current opening times).
- Come back after dark, when the façade is lit and the square is quieter.
