Munich Squares: Marienplatz

The Marienplatz has been Munich's central square since the foundation of the city in 1158. In the beginning, it was a market place with the name "Schrannenmarkt" because corn was the main product that was sold. In the area where the "Fischbrunnen" (Fish Fountain) is now, there was held a fish market.

As Munich was shielded from the Swedish occupation during the Thirty Years' War, Elector Maximilian I ordered the construction of the "Mariensäule" (Column St. Mary) in 1638.

In 1853, the corn market was moved to the "Schrannenhalle" in Blumenstrasse and the Marienplatz received its present name.

Now, there are a few interesting sights directly at the Marienplatz, e.g. the Old City Hall, the New City Hall, Mariensäule, Fischbrunnen.