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The best coves in Mallorca
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Culture
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In the heart of Munich, amidst Gothic towers, terraces and the sound of bells, you will find Marienplatz, the city's great central square and an essential visit during your route through Bavaria.
Located in the heart of the old town, Marienplatz has been the quintessential meeting point in the Bavarian capital for centuries and a place that is never missing from any guide on what to see in Munich. The contrast between the Neo-Gothic facade of the New Town Hall, the terraces and the constant movement of people creates one of the most representative atmospheres in Germany.
Although many travellers know it simply as "the Munich town hall square", its real name is Marienplatz, the "Mary's Square", in honour of the golden column that has presided over its centre since the 17th century.
Considered one of the great landmarks of the centre of Munich, the square occupies the site that served as the city's central market for centuries. Before receiving its current name in 1854, it was known as Schrannenplatz, while the Schrannenhalle was an independent building intended for the grain trade that was later built in another area of the old market.
Much more than just a place to stop for a photo, in this Marienplatz guide you will discover what makes this historic corner special, which are its most striking buildings and everything you need to know about a place where you can admire Neo-Gothic architecture, witness the famous carillon, get lost in medieval alleyways or simply sit and watch the city go by.
Culture
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The first thing that catches your eye upon arrival is the scale of the Neues Rathaus, the New Town Hall, whose monumental Neo-Gothic facade and numerous ornate towers dominate the north side of the square. Although its appearance is reminiscent of a medieval building, work began in 1867 and the complex was expanded in several phases until it was completed in 1909.
With more than eight centuries of history, Marienplatz in Munich is one of the city centre's great landmarks. In its centre stands the Mariensäule, the Mary's Column erected in 1638 by order of Elector Maximilian as a symbol of gratitude for the protection of Munich during the Thirty Years' War. The column, topped by a golden statue of the Virgin, has become one of the most recognisable monuments in the square.
Another of its great attractions is the Glockenspiel, the famous carillon installed in 1908 in the tower of the New Town Hall, with 43 bells and 16 figures that recreate two scenes from the city's history: the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine in 1568, accompanied by a knights' tournament, and the traditional cooper's dance. The show can be seen every day at 11am and 12pm and, from March to October, also at 5pm.
And the atmosphere is also part of the experience, as Marienplatz is one of the busiest spots in the centre of Munich. During the day you will find a constant flow of visitors, people crossing the pedestrian area and travellers waiting in front of the New Town Hall to watch the Glockenspiel.
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Before starting your visit, I recommend checking the Marienplatz map to locate the main access points to the square and to plan the rest of your route through the old town. Being in the city centre, you will see that getting there is very simple, whether you go on foot or by public transport.
Address:
If you are wondering exactly where this square is, it is located in the heart of Munich's historic centre, surrounded by some of the city's most iconic buildings.
Marienplatz, 80331 Munich, Germany.
How to get to Marienplatz:
If you don't know how to get to Marienplatz, I recommend public transport, which is the most comfortable and fastest option in a city with a practically pedestrianised centre.
The U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (suburban train) station "Marienplatz" is located directly under Munich's main square and is the most important tourist connection point in the city. The U3 and U6 underground lines pass through it, as well as the main S-Bahn lines that cross the centre (S1, S2, S3, S4, S6 and S8), which will allow you to arrive directly and without transfers from Munich Airport, the Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) and almost any corner of the city.
If you prefer to walk, from the central train station (Hauptbahnhof) the journey will take about fifteen minutes, crossing Kaufingerstraße, one of the city's main shopping streets.
Parking near Marienplatz:
There are several car parks in the surroundings of the old town, but accessing by car is not practical due to the extensive pedestrian zone and the high volume of traffic in the centre. If you are on a road trip through Bavaria, my advice is to leave your vehicle in one of the Park & Ride (P+R) car parks on the outskirts of the city and travel to Marienplatz comfortably on foot or by public transport.
Marienplatz map:
Reviews of Marienplatz usually highlight the beauty of the architectural complex and its importance as a starting point for exploring Munich's old town. The New Town Hall, the Glockenspiel and the square itself concentrate some of the city's most recognisable places, making it an especially common stop on tourist routes through the centre.
What reviews highlight most is the façade of the New Town Hall and the moment of the carillon, which gathers hundreds of people every day looking up at the tower with great anticipation.
As a less positive point, some point out that the square can get very crowded during the central hours of the day and during the Christmas market season, making it necessary to arrive well in advance to find a good spot to watch the Glockenspiel show.
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Although it is a very accessible place, knowing a few details beforehand will help you enjoy your visit much more. Here are some tips that I think you will find useful:
In the surroundings of Marienplatz there are many other places you cannot miss and plans for all tastes and ages. Here are some of my recommendations in the heart of Munich:
The New Town Hall is, together with its famous carillon, the great protagonist of the square. In addition to seeing its Neo-Gothic facade from the outside, I advise you to go up to enjoy one of the best views of the historic centre.
A few metres from the square stand the two towers of the Frauenkirche, the cathedral of Munich and one of the main symbols of the city, which can be seen from practically any point in the centre thanks to its characteristic dome-shaped tops.
Very close to Marienplatz is the Viktualienmarkt, the most famous food market in Munich, where stalls of fruit, cold meats, flowers and various biergartens coexist, perfect for taking a break between all the sightseeing.
Right next to the square stands St. Peter's Church, known by the locals as "Alter Peter". Its tower, which is reached after climbing about 300 steps, offers one of the classic panoramic views of Munich, with views of Marienplatz, the New Town Hall and the old town; on clear days, you can also spot the Alps.
Just a few minutes' walk away is the Hofbräuhaus, one of the most famous breweries in Munich and one of the best-known establishments in the city, with a history dating back to the late 16th century and an atmosphere marked by the beer tradition and Bavarian gastronomy.
A little further north is the Residenz, the former palace of the dukes and kings of Bavaria, with dozens of rooms, courtyards and a treasury museum that brings together pieces of Bavarian royalty over several centuries.
If you are looking for one of those places capable of summarising the history and atmosphere of an entire city in a few square metres, Marienplatz cannot be missing from your trip to Munich. Listening to the carillon, getting lost in its alleyways and sitting on one of its terraces is an experience that reflects the Bavarian spirit in its full splendour.
If you are looking for one of those places capable of summarising the history and atmosphere of an entire city in a few square metres, Marienplatz cannot be missing from your trip to Munich. Listening to the carillon, contemplating the architecture of the New Town Hall and walking through the streets of the old town will allow you to discover some of the most representative corners of the Bavarian capital.
Set aside a few hours to discover the square and its surroundings, climb one of its viewpoints and visit such iconic places as the Frauenkirche, the Viktualienmarkt or the Alter Peter. When you hear the Glockenspiel sound and see the square come to life, you will understand why Marienplatz is one of the great must-sees in Munich.
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All-terrain writer specialising in tourism, fashion and trends. A curious soul, traveller, reader and sports enthusiast, keen to discover every corner of the world.
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