Sankt-Jakobs-Platz

St. Jakob’s Square dates back to the 13th century, when Franciscans ran a chapel dedicated to St. James there. The St. Jakob am Anger monastery, situated to the south of the square and distinguished by its brick façade, is Munich’s oldest monastery. A bustling market square in the 19th century, the character of St. Jakob’s Square changed with the Second World War. The square and parts of the surrounding area were destroyed, and the wasteland was used as a car park for a long time. Today, thanks to the Jewish Centre and the Ohel Jakob Main Synagogue, St. Jakob’s Square has once again become one of Munich’s cultural hubs. The entire area covers 1.1 hectares and is paved at right angles to the community centre. The granite paving ties in with the historic paving of the old town and contrasts with the travertine façades of the community centre and the Jewish Museum. These buildings give Sankt-Jakobs-Platz its distinctive character and its special significance for Munich. The square is very popular and, thanks to its playground, a magnet for families – in particular, the fountain in front of the Orag House, with its 30 water jets, is used as a place to cool off in the summer.