Asamkirche, Munich

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We nearly missed this little church as it is really almost hidden away. This fantastic rococo building is named after its architects, who built it as a private chapel (1733 - 1746) but the residents of Munich loved it and requested that it be used as a parish church.

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This church is amazing. Although it is one of these which are just too much for my personal liking. But it is art, nevertheless, especially given the story of its construction. Mid 18th century it was built as a private church, by southern Bavarian master builders Asam (hence the name). They intended to build the church as a place not only for themselves but also where young kids could confess. The church is quite small, only 8 m wide and almost “invisible” to anyone passing by without specifically looking for it. Even though it is too much for me, it was fascinating to look at the interior which is overloaded with statues, confessionals, galleries, pillars, medallions and frescoes. I liked the cute little figures at the confessionals and the straightforward “handling” of death: in one setup, death is fighting with an angel, in others, skulls seem almost to smile.
The church, by the way, is dedicated to St. Nepomuk. Legend says that one of the Asam brothers was rescued when in distress at sea (well, river) and had promised to build the church afterwards.

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Baroque architecture got a late start in Munich but it was totally Bavarian when seen through the eyes of the Asam brothers even though they were trained in Italy. This is a hall church with its focus completely upon the altar framed by two pairs of twisted columns. The vaulting is a gently curved-edge rectangle and a balcony -like gallery surrounds the church below this. The purposely subdued light enters at this upper level A painting by brother Cosmos on the vault depicts the life of Saint Johann Nepomuuk. This is a stage-setting (even. Bernini would applaud) ; God , wearing a Papal Tiara, (not just a symbolic hand) offers a crucified Christ (a small Dove completes the Trinity). That is it!The lavishness of the Baroque is mostly carved structural forms and colored marble-like surfaces with limited stucco-work. All of the figures direct one to the central Vision. Genug.

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The Asamkirche is recognizable in a street-long residential block only because of its florid projecting canopy bearing the statue of its dedicatee St. John of Nepomuk kneeling in prayer surrounded by angels. Only then does one realize that this is the facade of a church and that a 16C building to its left has complementary decoration. (This is the house purchased in 1733 by Egid Quirin Asam, the sculptor of the two architect Asam brothers that built the church (1733-48). Not only did they design it, they directed and participated in its building and interior design and paid for the whole thing. It was to them a work of religious devotion. Egid was a bachelor and lived in the house next door his entire life; brother Cosmos Damian was also a painter. Incidentally the decorations on the house depict Heaven looking down approvingly on the Arts. The brothers received their training in Italy, but their execution is quite independent. This church is well into the Baroque era and is classified as "Bavarian Rococo". On entering one is struck by the subdued lighting, which is intentional; after the vestibule is an elaborate grille. Only then does the interior reveal itself. (See Tip 2)

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St.-Johann-Nepomuk-Kirche (aka Asamkirche) is the most ornamented church in Munich. Begun in 1733 and completed in 1746, it was constructed by the Asam brothers who are famous for many other Baroque/Rococo works. The exterior of this church belies its' interior which causes gasps upon entering. It was built as a personal chapel for the Asam family and later bequeathed to the city of Munich. It truly does the Bavarian sense of Bavarian decoration proud. I promise that my photographs do not do justice to this wonderful church.

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One of the richest with decorations church I have every seen. It is baroque church situated a few minutes far from the Marienplatz. It is called "the pearl of Bavarian Baroque" and was builded by Egid Quirin and Cosmas Damian in years 1733-1746. Although the official name of this church is Church of St Johann Nepomuk all people know it as Asamkirche.

A small but truly stunning baroque church near Sendlinger Tor, built by the Asam brothers in the early 18th century. Munich`s most beautiful church. Note at the right-hand-side of the entrance the scary sculpture of a skeleton cutting a life thread!

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Stop by Asamkirche to check out the interesting/ wacky interior of this Rococo Church. It is a totally unique place to see.

You don't need more than 10 minutes to check it out but it is worth the stop.