Top 10 Facts about the Marienplatz

By Robert Theml – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about the Marienplatz

Marienplatz also is known as Mary’s Square has been Munich’s central plaza since the city was founded in 1158.

The Square is surrounded by several historic buildings. One of the most famous of these monumental buildings is the beautiful New Town Hall.

Another historic building is the Mariensäule that has a striking gilded statue of the Virgin Mary poised on top.

This square was founded by the Duke of Bavaria, Henry the Lion more than 10 centuries ago.

During that time, it was known as a market square. Farmers and artisans would meet here to sell their produce and ware.

The square became the commercial hub in Munich. The name Marienplatz was coined from Mary’s column which is in the plaza.

Here are some top 10 facts about the Marienplatz.

1. The Marian Pillar is tall

By Robert Theml – Wikimedia

This gigantic Marian pillar stands at over 11 meters. It is one of the most recognizable aspects of the Square.

The pillar did not exist until 1638, this was almost 5 centuries after the market square came into existence.

Historians believe that Marian pillar was built as a symbol of Munich’s gratitude to the Swedes.

The Swedes had spared the city during the Thirty Years War.

There are several memorable sites at the Square with historical significance, shops, and restaurants.

2. Mariensaule column was built to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation

Marienplatz was named after the Mariensäule.

The Marian column was erected at the centre of the Square in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation.

On top of the column is a golden statue of the Virgin Marry that watches over the city and the state of Bavaria.

This Square also happens to be the centre of Munich city. It, therefore, acts as the starting point for signboards from other locations around the city.

Catholics also consider this Square to be their meeting point and three Popes have visited the column.

3. The name of the Square is part of a prayer

By Erika Piffer – Wikimedia

There is a deeper spiritual meaning behind the naming of this square as Marienplatz.

The name was actually a prayer to the Virgin Mary, they prayed to her to protect the city of Munich from an epidemic.

Ferdinand Murmann designed four statues of putti, one adorning each corner of the pedestal.

4. Marienplatz became popular during the Olympics

Mary’s Square gained international recognition as an important tourist destination in Munich.

This was during the 1972 Olympics when the square was endorsed as a pedestrian area.

After the Olympics, its popularity gave rise to more popular venues around the Square.

Marienplatz marks the beginning of Munich’s popular shopping avenues.

One other popular monument at the Square is the Fish Fountain which is where the market used to be.

The Old Town Hall was restored while the New Town Hall was designed in a Gothic revival style.

5. It remains to be the main attraction in Munich

By Henning Schlottmann – Wikimedia

Marienplatz used to be a busy marketplace which was later moved to Viktualienmarkt.

The Square, however, remained as the centre of attraction as before. It is still considered to be the main attraction in Munich.

Several cultural events take place at this Square where both locals and tourists participate and enjoy themselves.

6. The New Town Hall at Marienplatz is a work of art

There is a new building at Mary’s Square known as the New Town Hall.

This beautiful work of art was designed and built by Georg Joseph Hauberrisser.

It is a reflection of the Gothic style. He built it from1867 to 1909.

The Old Town Hall has been reconstructed several times and also features a Gothic style.

There is a restaurant in the basement of the Old Town Hall.  

7. Marienplatz used to be a market place

By Photochrom Print Collection – Wikimedia

During the Middle Ages, the Square was the centre for markets and tournaments.

They used to call the Square Markt, Schranne and Schrannenplatz.

The grain market was then moved into the modern state of the art glass-and-iron near Blumenstrasee.

Glockenspiel in the tower of the new city hall was inspired by the tournaments held at the market in the 19^th century.

These have been attracting millions of tourists every year.

The pedestrian zone between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz has numerous shops and restaurants where several people go for shopping.

Weeks before Christmas, the Christkindlmarkt opens at the Square.

You will find Christmas goodies, food and drinks at this market.

8. The bells at Marienplatz were replaced

During the city’s 850th anniversary in 2008, all the bells were removed, cleaned and refurbished.

They were then reinstalled, had the sound revised and tuned. This was facilitated by the generous contribution of the people of Munich.

Although the bells were fixed, it is not uncommon to hear quaking notes caused by loosened screws caused by a change in temperature.

The belfry has 43 bells and is on the 10^th floor. It has a small viewing platform sometimes used by the employees for short breaks.

9. The Glockenspiel chimes at Marienplatz to commemorate to end of the plague

By Gregorini Demetrio- Wikimedia

The famous Glockenspiel which plays three times daily at 11 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm, is in the tower alcove of the New Town Hall.

These carved wooden figurines regularly re-enact the tournaments that were customary in Marienplatz during the 16th century.

They come out to play when the bells chime. They perform the Schafferltanz dance.

The Glockenspiel do not play on Good Friday, they remain silent all day.

10. The four statues at Marienplatz are symbolic

At each corner of the column’s pedestal is a statue of putti that was created by Ferdinand Mormann.

These four putti’s represent the tournament, on the occasion of the two-week-long wedding celebrations of Wilhelm and Renata.

A fun fact is that this tournament did take place on the Marienplatz in the spring of 1568.

There is an evening session of the Glockenspiel which is performed every evening at 9 pm.

At this time, night-watchmen and guardian angels put the child monk to bed in the right lateral bay window.

As they do this, you will hear the sounds of Johannes Brahms’ lullaby.