Marienplatz

Overview

Marienplatz has been Munich's central square since 1158, when Henry the Lion founded the city. The square serves as the crossroads of the pedestrian zone and the heart of public life—markets, festivals, and celebrations all converge here beneath the towering Mariensäule (Column of the Virgin).

Highlights

• Glockenspiel: The 1908 carillon in the New Town Hall plays daily at 11:00 and 12:00 (plus 17:00 in summer) with 32 life-size mechanical figures reenacting the 1568 jousting tournament.
• Mariensäule: The gilded statue of the Virgin Mary atop an 11-metre column, erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation.
• Fish Fountain (Fischbrunnen): Medieval fountain where butchers used to rinse their apprentices; today the Lord Mayor washes the city's purse here on Ash Wednesday.

History

Originally a salt and grain market, Marienplatz became Munich's formal town centre in the 12th century. The Old Town Hall (1310) and the neo-Gothic New Town Hall (1867–1909) frame the square east and north respectively.

Visitor Tips

• Best viewing: Arrive 5 minutes early for the Glockenspiel; the café terrace of Hugendubel bookshop offers an elevated view.
• Underground: The square sits above a major U-Bahn/S-Bahn interchange—handy for onward travel.
• Duration: 15–30 minutes.