Marienplatz: The most famous town square
Marienplatz or the Mary’s square is the most famous square located in the very heart of Munich. It is also often the starting point whereon tourists begin their adventures in Munich. There are numerous things that the Marienplatz offers. All the tourist spots, eateries, and shopping places are at a walkable distance from here. Most of the attractions here date back to the 12th century and this market in-fact is built on a medieval market cum tournament arena which used to exist here earlier.
If you want to reach the marienplatz just board the U 3 or the U 6 subway and get down at the Marienplatz stop.
More about the location
Marienplatz is situated right in front of the Rathaus or the city hall exactly at the heart of the city. The Rathaus appears as though it was built in the medieval times but the gigantic façade of the building was constructed only in the 19th century. It is known to have been designed in the famously unique German Gründerzeit style. It is believed that the design and the stylisation of this building was conducted in such a manner because back in the early 1900s people were sceptical in terms of the usage of the modern day techniques of architecture.
The Frauenkirche is another building which is located just about round the corner from here. It is as a matter of fact enveloped in true medieval styles which dominated its time. Its dwindling towers are unique and difficult to forget. As far as public opinion is concerned, the Frauenkirche at the Marienplatz is regarded as the most popular architecture of Munich. When you step inside the Frauenkirche the first thing that you notice is the tomb of a certain Habsburg ruler which is a fine example of a typical German tomb monument. Despite the gigantic appearance of the Frauenkirche it projects a kind of romantic feel. This sense is based on the high spires of its Gothic domes which are similar to the ones in Cologne. When you reach on top the panoramic view of the entire region along with the Alpine mountains appears to be simply splendid.
Among the other sites that can be discovered are listed below:
- New Town Hall,
- Peterskirche,
- Heilig-Geist-Kirche,
- Viktualienmarkt,
- Alter Hof,
- Alte Münze,
- Hofbräuhaus,
- Max-Joseph-Platz.
It was in the year 1807 that the marketplace moved to the Viktualienmarkt but the marienplatz still is the main focal centre of the city. Back in the initial days this town square was known as the Schrannen and the marienplatz or the St. Mary’s Square is its later name. The change of the name was thus because of a certain belief as per which the town folks by their way of naming the town square after Virgin Mary were praying for their protection against the epidemic of cholera.
The history
Munich is known to have been founded in the year 1158 by Henry the Lion. The Marienplatz was formed at the converging point of the two main streets which was further at the heat of the city. The name – Marienplatz also carries influences from the Mariensäule, which is a Marian column. It was erected in the year 1638 in the central area marking the conclusion of the Swedish occupation. These columns also have religious connotations in terms of the depictions it carries of Virgin Mary on the top. It is believed that this structure was constructed to reinstate the faith in the church after the plague epidemic. Originally, it was built at the end of the plague, therefore, it is also referred to as the plague columns.
Today the Neues Rathaus or the New City Hall is the main attraction of the Marienplatz. It is located on the northern side of the area. The Rathaus-Glockenspiel is located in the tower of the New City Hall. It is of the main touristic attractions of Munich. It is a kind of bell tower which usually chimes every day at 11 a.m. and particularly at 12 noon and 5 p.m. in summer. These chimes interestingly re-enact two stories sating back to the 16th century. These stories were purely meant for the entertainment of the local crowd and the tourists. This tower consists of 43 bells and 32 life sized figures.
If you notice the upper half of the tower, it depicts the story pertaining to the marriage of Duke Wilhelm V and Renata of Lorraine. Wilhelm V is also otherwise known for founding the world renowned Hofbräuhaus. He and his wife, both of them are depicted in pure happiness along with life sized figures of knights on horseback. These knights further represent the glories of Bavaria through the white and blue colours.
On the other hand, the lower half of the figure tells a different story altogether. It is the story of Schäfflertanz or the coopers dance. It is further representative of a myth dating back to the year 1517. At around this time Munich was attacked by the deadly plague epidemic and the coopers are believed to have danced through each and every street of the city kindling and infusing a certain kind of freshness, revitalising the spirit of the city dwellers so that they can overcome the said difficult times. The coopers had their allegiance to the Duke, hence another tangential interpretation of their performance is associated with the symbolic determination and perseverance of the royalty. There is also a tradition which carries forward the same spirit. Every seventh years the same dance is performed in each of the city’s streets in the memory of the time. Also, the same dance can be seen during Fasching, the German carnivals. The next dance ritual is scheduled to be performed in 2019.
On the eastern side of Marienplatz the Old Town Hall or the Altes Rathaus is located. This building is adorned in the typical Gothic architecture. Furthermore, the building also features a council hall, a ballroom and towers. There are numerous shops, eating joints and restaurants in the pedestrian zone which is located between the Karlsplatz and Marienplatz.
The Christmas market or the Christkindlmarkt opens up exactly three weeks before the beginning of Christmas at the Marienplatz along with other market squares in the city. Such markets are special because of the various exclusive goods, foods and drinks that they sell only during this time of the year.
The following are the three main events which take place at regular intervals:
- Christmas Market: Begins three weeks prior to Christmas on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent and continues till the Christmas Eve.
- Glockenspiel: It is located in the New Town Hall and chimes at regular events depicting stories dating back to 16th
- Schäfflertanz: A dance ritual which takes place here every seven years.
Other minor monuments and fountains of the region:
- Mariensäule: Dates back to 1638.
- Fischbrunnen: It was created using the bronze sculptures by Konrad Knoll.
- Kräutlmarktbrunnen: Constructed in the year 1972.
- Glamorous Julia: It is located at the Am Tower of Old City Hall and was replicated from the original that was designed by the artist Nereo Costantini.