Mary’s Square

Mary’s Square is a central square in the city centre of Munich. It has been the city’s main square since 1158. Marienplatz was named after the Mariensäule, a Marian column erected in its centre in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation. Today the Marienplatz is dominated by the New City Hall on the north side, and the Old City Hall on the east side. In the Middle Ages, markets and tournaments were held in this city square. After said grain market was moved into the modern glass-and-iron Schranne near “Blumenstrasse” in 1853, the square received its new name, starting 9 October 1854. The Glockenspiel in the tower of the new city hall was inspired by these tournaments, and draws millions of tourists a year. Furthermore, the pedestrian zone between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz is a crowded area with numerous shops and restaurants.