Munich Germany - Marienplatz Glockenspiel Tower
The Marienplatz Glockenspiel is one of Munich’s most famous landmarks, located in the city’s central square, Marienplatz. It’s an ornate clock and mechanical show that attracts thousands of visitors each year. When we visited this historic and beautiful clock it at 11, 12 and 5 pm and each time it played O-Teinum balm, and I cried like crazy since that is one of my favorite songs that was sung by Nat King Cole on his Christmas album that I listed to over and over!
Here’s the history behind it:
Origins and Construction:
The Glockenspiel was added to the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) in 1908, which itself was built between 1867 and 1909. The clock is located in the tower of the town hall, which stands at 85 meters tall. The clock mechanism was designed by the German clockmaker Julius Hütte. The show itself was not part of the original design but was later added as a tribute to the city’s history and culture.
The Bell Tower:
The Glockenspiel consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures that perform a series of mechanical movements and chimes. The bells are played using a mechanism that was designed to work with both manual and automated operations, and it chimes at the top of every hour, with a longer show at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.
The Story:
The Glockenspiel recounts two main historical events:
The Marriage of Duke Wilhelm V to Renata of Lorraine (1568): The first part of the show portrays the royal wedding procession, complete with dancing and music. The figures of the bride and groom can be seen in the mechanical show.
The Coopers' Dance (1517): The second part of the show is a nod to the famous Coopers’ Dance, which took place after the end of the plague. The city’s coopers (barrel makers) performed a dance to celebrate the return of good health. The mechanical figures of the dancers and a jester reenact this joyful event.
Symbolism:
The show is not only a reminder of these historical moments but also symbolizes Munich's pride in its heritage. The mechanical display, accompanied by music, is a combination of art, tradition, and craftsmanship. The bells chime to mark the time, while the figures perform to entertain both locals and tourists.
The Restoration and Modern Day:
Over the years, the Glockenspiel has undergone several restorations, including an overhaul of its mechanics and the figures. In the 1990s, a major renovation project was initiated to preserve the intricate design and functionality of the Glockenspiel. Today, it remains one of Munich’s iconic tourist attractions.
Every day, thousands of visitors gather in Marienplatz to witness the charming spectacle, which is a reminder of Munich’s medieval past, as well as its rich history of craft and celebration.
