MARIENPLATZ & RATHAUS
Mareinplatz & the Town Hall

Marienplatz and Mariensäule
This square, previously called Schrannenplatz, has been the heart of the city since Munich was founded. It was a salt and corn market, a tournament arena and a place of execution. A fish market was held near the Fischbrunnen (fish fountain) which is worth seeing. Nowadays locals and tourists throng here to shop or take a stroll.
The 11 metre high Mariensäule (Marys column) was built to fulfill a vow made by Electoral Prince Maximilian in 1638 after Munich and Landshut were saved from pillaging by the Swedish. It is considered the centre of the city and is therefore not just a favorite meeting place - all distances are measured from here.

Town Hall and Glockenspiel
In 1447 the Old Town Hall was built in gothic style, the tower built from one of the old city gates. Lovers still bring flowers to the charming statue of Juliette under the archway - a present from Munich's twin Town of Verona.
The Swiss architect Hauberisser built the monumental, new gothic brick building between 1867 und 1908 with 6 inner courtyards. The interior of the building is just as magnificent as the facade. The stained glass window depicting the "Patrona Bavariae" ( Mary as patron of Munich), the Law Library and the "Kleine Sitzungssaal" (small council chamber) are well worth visiting.
The world famous Town Hall Glockenspiel daily at 11.00 am and 12.00 am (between March and October also at 5.00 pm) shows scenes from Munich's history: on the upper level the marriage of Duke Willhelm V to Renate von Lothringen (in 1558) complete with jousting tournament is represented and on the lower level the Schäfflertanz (dance by guild members) in memory of the plague of 1517.

Opening hours/Prices
Town Hall Tower:
Mon - Thur: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm
Fri: 9.00 am - 1.00 pm
closed on Sat, Sun + public holidays
Adults DM 3,- / Children (6 - 18 yrs) DM 1,50 / Children under 6yrs old free of charge

Address
Marienplatz 8
80331 München

How to get there
any S-Bahn, U3, U6 "Marienplatz"