Marienplatz (English: Mary’s Square, i.e. St. Mary, Our Lady’s Square) is a central square in the city centre of Munich, Germany. It has been the city’s main square since 1158.
Marienplatz is easily accessible from the central train station (Munich Hbf) via bus or car. It is not recommended to drive around the city center due to heavy foot traffic and narrow roads, so parking at one of many nearby multi-level parking garages and walking to the center on foot is highly recommended.
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 (Neues Rathaus) on the north side, and the Old City Hall (Altes Rathaus, a reconstructed gothic council hall with a ballroom and tower) on the east side.
The Glockenspiel in the tower of the new city hall was inspired by the tournaments that were held in the square during the Middle Ages, and draws millions of tourists a year. Furthermore, the pedestrian zone between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz is a crowded area with numerous shops and restaurants.
There are several cafe and restaurants around the city center and you may also catch some street bands performing live while touring the monuments. Watch the clip below for a quick glance at Marienplatz!
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