The golden Mary
A gilded figure at the top of the column, and the source of the square's name.
The Mariensäule is a marble column in the middle of Marienplatz, topped by a golden figure of the Virgin Mary. It was raised in 1638 in thanks for Munich surviving occupation during the Thirty Years' War. The square takes its name from this column: Marienplatz means Mary's Square. Before that it was simply the market square. At the base stand four small bronze figures of angels fighting creatures, each standing for a affliction: war, plague, famine and heresy. The detail is fine and rewards a close look, and most visitors walk past without noticing. The column is free and open in the square at all hours. It is a very short stop while you are on Marienplatz, not a destination in itself.
A gilded figure at the top of the column, and the source of the square's name.
Bronze figures at the base standing for war, plague, famine and heresy.
Marienplatz, 80331 München
In thanks for Munich escaping destruction while occupied during the Thirty Years' War, in 1638. It became a reference point in the city, and gave the square its name.
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