Marienplatz

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 on the New Town Hall performs daily at 11 AM and noon with a mechanical show featuring 43 bells and 32 moving figures that reenact historical scenes. The performance lasts several minutes and regularly draws large crowds who stand in the square looking up.

Location: Altstadt-Lehel

Inception: 1158

Address: Marienplatz, 80331 München, Germany

Website: https://muenchen.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/top-sehenswuerdigkeiten/marienplatz

GPS coordinates: 48.13722,11.57528

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:03