Panoramic view of the Neues Rathaus in Munich with the Frauenkirche in the background.

Marienplatz

Marienplatz: the heart of Munich

There's always something going on in this world-famous square – whether it's the Christmas market, the city's anniversary celebrations, the Glockenspiel, championship celebrations for FC Bayern or public gatherings for a variety of occasions. Here you can find out everything you need to know about Marienplatz.

Overview

- What's on Marienplatz?
- Mariensäule
- FAQ

Marienplatz (square) has been at the centre of the city since Munich was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158. It was the point at which all of the new city’s most important streets met and for centuries it was the centre of Munich's life. And even today, between the Isartor and Karlsplatz-Stachus, Odeonsplatz and Sendlinger Tor, Marienplatz is a popular meeting place, the start of the pedestrian zone and the place from which distances in the city are measured. 

What's on Marienplatz?

These days, you can sit in the shadows of the Neues and Altes Rathaus (New and Old Town Halls) and enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee, watching the hustle and bustle around you. It is also the ideal place to start a tour of the shops in the pedestrian zone or Viktualienmarkt. Popular shopping streets include Kaufingerstrasse, Neuhauser Strasse, Sendlinger Strasse and Theatinerstrasse. In addition, Munich shopping arcades and districts such as the Fünf Höfe are just around the corner. And Maximilianstrasse, the Nationaltheater, the Münchner Kammerspiele, the Residenztheater, the Frauenkirche and the Hofbräuhaus are also within walking distance of Marienplatz.

One of the most popular events at Marienplatz is the Christkindlmarkt. If you want to act like a true native of Munich, arrange to meet up at the Fischbrunnen (fountain) in front of the main entrance to the Neues Rathaus. A must for every visit to Munich is the Glockenspiel in the tower of the New Town Hall, which with its 43 bells is not only one of the largest in Europe, but also one of the most popular sights in the city. Visitors can watch the figures dance daily at 11 am and 12 pm, and between March and October the carillon also takes place at 5 pm.

If you want to see the City Hall balcony, world-famous from the championship celebrations of FC Bayern Munich, or the reading room of the law library, reminiscent of Hogwarts, you can book an exclusive City Hall tour with an official guide of the City of Munich. You can see the Marienplatz and the entire city from above, either from the Alter Peter (church) – Munich's landmark with over 300 steps – or comfortably from the tower of the New Town Hall, which has a lift.

 

Book your visit of the Tower now

 

Mariensäule in the middle of the Marienplatz

At the centre of Marienplatz, you will find the Mariensäule (column). On top of the column, a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the Patrona Bavariae, watches over the city and the state of Bavaria. The Mariensäule is the centre of Munich, which is why it is used as a starting point for signposts from other locations to the city. It is also a central point for Catholics: a total of three Popes have visited the column: Pius VI in 1782, Johannes Paul II in 1980 and Benedict XVI in 2006.

Elector Maximilian I had the 11-metre-tall column erected out of Tegernsee marble in 1638. The column was meant to symbolise his gratitude for keeping Munich safe while it was occupied by Sweden during the Thirty Years’ War.

The Renaissance sculptor Hubert Gerhard is rumoured to have created the bronze figurine of the Virgin Mary for the grave of Duke Wilhelm V back in 1593. It adorned the high altar in Munich's Frauenkirche until 1613. Based on the traditional shrine to Mary in Loreto, the Virgin Mary is holding the Baby Jesus and standing atop a moon crescent. The four brave, battling putti on the base of the Mariensäule symbolise Mary's triumph over hunger (the dragon), war (the lion), plague (the basilisk), and heresy (the snake).

Marienplatz has been known by its current name since 9 October 1854 when it was renamed after the Virgin Mary following a cholera epidemic. Before that the square was known as the Schrannenplatz after the South German word for grain on account of the market that used to be held there. The aim of the new name was to bring an end to the outbreak.

 

Frequently asked questions about Marienplatz in Munich

 

On 9 October 1854, the former Schrannenplatz was renamed Marienplatz. By the act of renaming, the Munich magistrate placed the square under the care of the Bavarian patron saint Mary, hoping for a quick end to the cholera epidemic that had broken out in the summer of 1854.

The Marian Column was built by Elector Maximilian I in gratitude for the fact that the city was spared destruction during the Swedish occupation in the Thirty Years' War.

For the 1972 Olympic Games, the city centre between Karlsplatz-Stachus and Marienplatz was transformed into a car-free pedestrian zone.

The history of the fountain goes back to the Middle Ages. Originally, the fish market was held here. It received its present appearance in 1954. The butcher's leap, in which the apprentices are absolved after a bath in the fountain, and the washing of the purse on Ash Wednesday have a long tradition. The latter is supposed to guarantee well-filled purses for the rest of the year.

 

 
Photos: Sigi Müller, istock/grafissimo, istock/viadacanon, Frank Stolle, Jörg Lutz, München Tourismus, Dominik Morbitzer, istock/seewhatmitchsee, istock/valet, istock/nikada
The chef of the restaurant Schneider Bräuhauses München is cutting a knuckle of pork with a big knife.

Eat & Drink

Greetings from the Munich kitchen

Munich is a city full of tradition - of course also from a gastronomic point of view. An overview.

Munich is full of tradition - of course also from a gastronomic point of view. A tour through the kitchens of the city.

A view of a church reflected in a shop window in Munich.

Shopping & Design

Munich is a true paradise for shopping

A successful city trip should include an extensive shopping spree.

A successful city trip includes an extensive shopping spree: Munich offers almost heavenly conditions!

Blue Horse I by Franz Marc on display at the Lenbachhaus in Munich.

Arts & Culture

Munich's museums

Munich's most important museums, galleries and collections at a glance.

Munich is pure cultural pleasure! We present the most important Munich museums, galleries and collections at a glance.

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

Munich's Palace of Justice

Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for only 20€ !

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich

New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 20 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich

Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.

Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for only 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

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Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

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Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

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Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.