Mariensäule

At the heart of Munich's bustling Marienplatz stands the Mariensäule, a striking Marian column erected in 1638 to celebrate the city's survival during the Swedish occupation of the Thirty Years' War. The gilded statue of the Virgin Mary atop a Corinthian column is a focal point for locals and tourists alike. Surrounded by the neo-Gothic New Town Hall with its famous Glockenspiel, the square buzzes with activity. Visitors often pause to admire the intricate details of the column's base, adorned with four putti representing war, pestilence, hunger, and heresy, the threats Munich overcame. The Mariensäule is not just a monument but a gathering place for festivals, markets, and daily life, offering a quintessential Munich experience.

Don't miss

• The gilded statue of the Virgin Mary atop the column, shining in the sunlight.
• The four putti at the base, each symbolizing a threat Munich overcame.
• The lively atmosphere of Marienplatz, with street performers and the Glockenspiel.
• The surrounding architecture, including the New Town Hall and Old Town Hall.
• Seasonal events like the Christmas market that gather around the column.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Mariensäule

Cheapest way inMunich Old Town Walking Tour4.6★ · 161 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →Best full dayNeuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Day Tour from Munich4.4★ · 7,468 travelers~11 hoursFree cancellationFrom$86 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleMunich Private Tour with a Local – Highlights & Hidden Gems4.9★ · 518 travelers2-6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$111 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The Glockenspiel show at the New Town Hall runs daily at 11am, 12pm, and 5pm (March-October).
• Best photos are taken from the center of the square, facing the column with the New Town Hall behind.
• The column is outdoors; check weather and dress accordingly.

A bit of history

Erected in 1638 by Elector Maximilian I in gratitude for Munich's preservation during the Thirty Years' War, the Mariensäule was the first Marian column built north of the Alps, inspiring similar columns across Bavaria.