Marienplatz

Since its foundation in 1158, Marienplatz has been the pedestrian center of Munich, and is the heart of the city.

On the north side of the square is the majestic Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (“New Town Hall”), the Altes Rathaus (“Old Town Hall”) is on the east side together with the Tal and Viktualienmarkt (farmers ‘ market) passageways.

Quick facts

• Name: Marienplatz
• Location: Munich, Germany
• Built: 12th century
• Type of attraction: Public square
• Ticket price: Free

On the south side, there are shops, office buildings, and restaurants bordering the square. To the west the pedestrian zone opens into Kaufingerstraße, which ends at the Karlstor (gate) on the square known more commonly as Stachus by locals.

Today Marienplatz is a festivity hub and financial, cultural, or sporting events. The oldest traditional Christmas market in Munich (the “Christkindlmarkt”) takes place here during Advent.

It is a central point to explore this wonderful city.

You can sit in the shadows of the Neues and Altes Rathaus (New and Old Town Halls) these days and have a relaxing cup of coffee, watching the hustle and bustle around you. It is also the perfect place to start a tour of the shops in the Viktualienmarkt or pedestrian zone. Arrange to meet up at the Fischbrunnen (fountain) in front of the main entrance to the Neues Rathaus if you want to act like a true native of Munich.

You will find the Mariensäule in the centre of Marienplatz (column). A golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Bavaria, watches over the city and the state of Bavaria at the top of the column. The center of Munich is the Mariensäule, which is why it is used as a point of departure for signs to the city from other locations. It is also the central point for Catholics: the column was visited by a total of three Popes: Pius VI in 1782, John Paul II in 1980 and Benedict XVI in 2006.

Since 9 October 1854, when it was renamed after the Virgin Mary following a cholera epidemic, Marienplatz has been known by its current name. Before that, according to the South German word for grain, the square was known as Schrannenplatz because of the market that used to be held there. The objective of the new name was to bring the outbreak to an end.

Interesting facts about Marienplatz

Here are few facts about this interesting landmark:

• Marienplatz​ was founded by Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria.
• Mariensäule column was erected as a gratitude to the Swedes for not destroying the city during the Thirty Years War.
• The square gained international recognition during the 1972 Olympics when it was promoted as a pedestrian area.

Read more: Interesting facts about Marienplatz