Europe, as we have discovered, is well known for its wonderful architecture and rich history. In our minds, both of these attributes are best exemplified in its churches. Our concepts of what we would find in Germany were based on the notion that German professor of theology, Martin Luther’s 16th century Protestant Reformation would dominate church architecture. It was to our surprise, however, to see so many “other denomination’s” churches throughout Munich. With the plethora of religious structures encountered in Munich, we decided to present a sampling of the edifices we visited (in addition to those our blog has already covered).
ASSAM CHURCH - built between 1733 and 1746, and officially known as the “Church of Saint Johann Nepomuk,” this church is more colloquially known as the “Assam Church” after brothers who built it, Egid and Cosmas Assam.
ASSAM CHURCH - built between 1733 and 1746, and officially known as the “Church of Saint Johann Nepomuk,” this church is more colloquially known as the “Assam Church” after brothers who built it, Egid and Cosmas Assam.
Constructed during the mid-1700’s, it became known by locals as the “Assam” church after the brothers, Egid and Cosmas Assam, who built it. The entrance to Egid’s personal residence can be seen to the left of this private chapel’s entrance.
From the interior decorations, we could easily see that this was one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Munich.
An avid painter, Cosmas Assam ‘s “Life of St. Nepomuk” ceiling fresco is considered by many to be his masterpiece.
BURGERSAALKIRCHE (“Citizen’s Hall) - Originally constructed between 1709 and 1710 as a meeting hall for the Marien Men (Jesuits) congregation “Annunciation,” it was not consecrated as a church until nearly 70 years later (1778). Among Munich’s churches, this is considered unique because it is a two-story edifice. The windowless lower floor became a church hall, while the upper level became a spectacular Bavarian Rococo church.
Burgersaalkirche is also unique because of its peach-colored exterior.
Its upper-level interior is a spectacular example of Bavarian Rococo architecture.
In contrast, the windowless lower floor (now used as a chapel and church hall) is rather plain.
LUDWIGKIRCHE (Ludwig’s Church) - Officially known as the “University Church of Louis,” this neo-Romanesque edifice was constructed between 1829 and 1844. In addition to its grand twin towers, the church is home to the second largest altar fresco (“The Last Judgement”) in the world (measuring 62 feet by 38 feet). The towers’ bells were named after the patron saints of King Ludwig’s family.
We found the spectacular looking white twin towers to be quite impressive.
More impressive is this massive altar fresco( culled “The Last Judgement”); reportedly the second largest in the world.
ST.LUKES CHURCH -Constructed along the banks of the Isar river and known as the largest Evangelical (Protestant) Church in Munich, St. Lukes was built between 1893 and 1896. It is also Munich’s only preserved Lutheran church . As such, locals know it as “The Cathedral of the Munich Protestants.” However, unlike other cathedrals, this one was NOT the seat of a bishop.
St, Luke’s distinctive dome marks it as Munich’s largest Protestant church.
Based on the geometric shape of a Greek cross, St. Lukes interior was built along Gothic lines.
The church’s artistically beautiful stained glass windows (originally created between 1896 and 1899) were completely destroyed during a bombing raid in September of 1943. They were replaced with new ones in 1946.
Throughout our travels over the past four years, we have seen some beautiful churches of various denominations and have learned a great deal about the communities they have served. Those of Munich maintained our enthusiasm for these visits. We sincerely hope that if any of our followers get the chance to travel that each and everyone consider experience any religious edifice that they happen to find open, regardless of the denomination. You will NOT be disappointed.
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