Marienplatz, Munich

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Knights of the medieval times used to meet here and the square was the center of the first settlement on this place. Kings held their weddings here and it was the place for civic and religious events.
The bavarian-gothic ‘Altes Rathaus’ (Old Town Hall) which is found at the east end of the square was build in 1474. The tower, originally a part of the city wall, was destroyed during the war and restored in 1972 based on the original condition of around 1462.
The square became the most important grain trade market of Germany and for that reason it was named ‘Schrannenplatz’ (Schranne means grain trade) in these times. In 1853 the market moved into its own building, the Schrannenhalle, just a few blocks away. Another interesting aspect is why the square got its name ‘Marienplatz’.
Being thankful that the swedish hadn’t destroyed the city in 1638 (30-year war) King Maximilian I. erected a small monument on the square, the so-called Mariensäule (Mary column). But the trigger for renaming the Schrannenplatz into Marienplatz was the Cholera epedemic in 1854. When it declined without having killing everybody the people were so thankful that they renamed the square in honor of Maria, mother of Jesus.
Today:
A major attraction for visitors is the ‘Glockenspiel’ in the ‘Neues Rathaus’ (= New Town Hall) which is the huge Neo-Gothic building at the northern side of the Marienplatz. The bells ring and the figures in the Glockenspiel beginn moving at 11am, 12 am and from March to end of October additionally at 5pm.
Standing in front of the ‘Neues Rathaus’ take a look into north-western direction where you’ll discover Munich’s landmark symbol the ‘Frauenkirche’ (Church of Our Lady).
If you want to enjoy a great view visit ‘Cafe Glockenspiel’ on the 5th floor of the building adjacent of the ‘Neues Rathaus’. It allows you a take a look over the roofs of Munich. End of November the famous Münchner Christkindlmarkt (christmas market) with Glühwein (hot red wine with spices) and Bratwurst booths takes place on the Marienplatz.