The Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) is one of Munich’s most recognizable landmarks, located on Marienplatz, the city’s main square. This ornate neo-Gothic building serves as the city hall and houses the office of the mayor.
Construction on the Neues Rathaus began in 1867 and was completed in stages, with the final western portion featuring the iconic 85-meter (278 foot) tower finished in 1909. The building was designed by architect Georg von Hauberrisser in the Flemish Gothic style, with an intricate facade stretching over 100 meters (328 feet) in length.
The exterior is adorned with numerous statues and figures representing Munich’s history and legends, including depictions of the city’s founders, the Wittelsbach dynasty, and various folk tales. The interior features stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings, carved woodwork, and a labyrinth-patterned floor in the inner courtyard.
One of the most popular attractions at the Neues Rathaus is the Glockenspiel, a clock featuring 32 life-sized figures that perform a reenactment of a 16th-century wedding and a dance celebrating the end of the plague.
Leave a Reply