Marienplatz, Central square in Altstadt-Lehel, Munich, Germany
Marienplatz is a central square in the heart of Munich's old town, surrounded by historic buildings and busy pedestrian zones. On the north side rises the neo-Gothic New Town Hall with its tall tower, while the Old Town Hall marks the eastern edge.
The square began in 1158 as the marketplace of the newly founded city and was initially called Markth and later Schranne. Only in 1854 did it receive its current name after the Mary column that had been erected two centuries earlier.
The name refers to the golden figure of Mary standing atop a column since the 17th century, erected as thanks for the end of Swedish occupation. Today the square serves as a meeting point and event venue where locals and visitors gather beneath the statue.
The U-Bahn and S-Bahn station directly beneath the square allows easy access from all parts of the city and connects several lines at one central hub. The square is entirely reserved for pedestrians, so you can move around freely without car traffic.
The Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall tower was inspired by the medieval tournaments held on Marienplatz. Its 43 bells and 32 life-size figures reenact the 1568 wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine, including the Schäfflertanz cooper's dance. It plays daily at 11 AM and noon, drawing crowds.
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