Frauenkirche — Attraction in Munich

Frauenkirche, or the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, is not just a church in Munich; it is a historical emblem representing the intertwining of Munich’s past and present. This landmark stands as a striking contrast and complement to the city’s modern architecture.

Historical Significance and Architecture

Constructed in the late 15th century, Frauenkirche is an iconic example of late Gothic architecture. The two towers, completed in 1525 and approximately 100 meters tall, are crowned with distinctive Renaissance domes known as “Welsche Hauben.” The cathedral’s imposing brick structure, measuring around 109 meters in length, 40 meters in width, and 37 meters in height, can accommodate up to 20,000 people - a remarkable fact considering Munich’s population at the time of its completion.

Unique Features Only Known by Visiting

One of the most fascinating tales associated with Frauenkirche is the legend of the “Teufelstritt,” or Devil’s Footstep. According to legend, the devil made a deal with the builder to construct a windowless church. The builder tricked the devil by positioning columns that blocked the windows when viewed from the entrance. The supposed footprint of the devil remains visible in the church as a reminder of this legend.

Another unique feature is the panoramic view from the south tower, accessible by an elevator. This vantage point offers breathtaking views of Munich and, on clear days, a distant view of the Alps.

Inclusion in a Munich Itinerary

A visit to Frauenkirche should be a part of any Munich itinerary. Its central location makes it easily accessible:

Start at Marienplatz: Begin your day at Marienplatz, the city’s central square, and immerse yourself in the heart of Munich’s bustling activity. Visit the Frauenkirche: Just a short walk from Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche awaits. Spend time admiring the exterior architecture before stepping inside to experience the calm and grandeur of its interior. Lunch at Viktualienmarkt: After your visit, head to the nearby Viktualienmarkt for lunch. This open-air market offers a variety of local and international foods. Explore the Residenz: In the afternoon, visit the Munich Residenz, a former royal palace, to explore its rich history and opulent rooms. Relax at the English Garden: End your day with a relaxing stroll or a leisurely sit-down at the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks.

Overall Impression

The Frauenkirche is more than just a central building in Munich; it’s an anchor of Munich’s history and a living testimony to how tradition and modernity can coalesce into a unique cityscape . The church’s ability to maintain its relevance amid the ever-evolving urban context makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in the interplay between historical architecture and...

The Gothic cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Munich and officially known as “Zu Unserer Lieben Frau” (Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady). Erected by the Munich-based architect and master builder Jörg von Halsbach in the 15th century, the building was constructed using bricks to save money due to the lack of quarries in the region. Apart from the tops of the two towers, the building was completed in 1488 after 20 years of construction work. During the War of the Succession of Landshut, cannons were set up on the roofless towers to defend the city against attackers. Their hallmark helmed roofs weren’t added until 1525. The style was adopted from the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, which at the time was thought to be the ancient Solomon’s Temple. After suffering heavy damage during the air raids of the Second World War, the Frauenkirche was reconstructed between 1948 and 1955 with a plainer design and fewer embellishments. Later stages of renovation saw more ornate features being added on a gradual basis. Today, the cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Munich and Freising. According to legend, the famous footprint in the entrance hall was made by the devil himself. He made a bet with the master builder for his soul, that there would be no windows in the church. Upon return to the aforementioned place, he could not see any windows at first, as they were covered by the columns. Out of joy at the supposed ignorance of the people, he stamped up and left his footprint in the ground. The legend follows that the breeze that can be felt around the church is the devil still attempting to tear it down after realising his mistake. Today, the double towers of the Frauenkirche are visible from far and wide, a key characteristic of the Munich skyline. Inside, the nave is 109 meters long, 40 meters wide and 37 meters high and can accommodate an impressive 20,000 people. In 2004, Munich residents voted in a city wide referendum to pass a bill preventing the construction of new buildings in Munich that exceed the height of the...

A Timeless Visit to Frauenkirche, Munich

My visit to the Frauenkirche in Munich was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic cathedral with its twin domed towers is instantly recognizable and steeped in history and architectural grandeur.

The moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the serene and majestic atmosphere. The towering vaulted ceilings, the simplicity of the Gothic interior, and the play of natural light through the stained-glass windows created a sense of calm reverence. Despite its minimal ornamentation compared to other European cathedrals, Frauenkirche’s beauty lies in its graceful proportions and understated elegance.

One of the most intriguing elements was the “Devil’s Footprint” near the entrance – a mysterious and fun piece of local legend that adds a touch of folklore to the visit. Climbing up to the towers (if they’re open) offers panoramic views of Munich, and on clear days, even the Alps are visible on the horizon – a breathtaking experience.

The church is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural landmark. I appreciated the quiet moments for reflection as well as the opportunity to learn about Munich’s past, especially how the cathedral was rebuilt after World War II with such devotion to preserving its original design.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a peaceful escape in the bustling city, Frauenkirche is a must-visit. It’s a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and timeless beauty in the...