Frauenkirche, Munich

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Fraunenkirche (church of our Dear Lady ) is the Cathedral of Munich. This roman catholic church was built in gothic style, designed by Jorg von Halsbach. It was consecrated in 1494 (it took only 20 years) replacing an old romanesque church from 12th century. The onion-shaped domes (in renaissance style) were added in 1524 copying the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. As many other buildings in Munich was damaged during WWII but reconstructed.

The cathedral with its twin towers is a symbol of Munich and dominates its skyline as the law prohibits to raise buildings over 99 meters which is the spire’s hight. We were a bit disappointed by the exterior as it doesn’t have any gothic details, just plain red brick.

Actually you can climb one of the towers during the warm months (10.00-17.00 Monday to Saturday) and enjoy the view.
Once inside we realized how big it is, the cathedral can house about 20,000 people, I wonder what they had in mind in late 15th century when Munich had only 13,000 inhabitants. We didn’t really realize its size because there are rows of high columns. What’s more low light condition inside didn’t allow us to enjoy the interior which include numerous artworks dating between 14th and 18th century, among them E.Grasser, J.Polack, H.Krumpper). There’s also a famous legend, a black footprint near the entrance is called devil’s footstep as this is the spot where no window can be seen from there, it was architecture’s trick (using the columns) against the devil .

As many other buildings in Munich the church was heavily damaged during WWII, after the war several restorations took place.
At the crypt of the church are buried many dukes, kings of Bavaria and archbishops of Munich.

It is open 7.00-19.00 saturday to wednesday, thursdays until 20.30, fridays until 18.00

Just outside the church I noticed this nice scale model of Munich (pic 5)

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Over 20 years this church was built using red brick for the times and in Gothic style. The chapel is 120 feet wide, and the church is over 350 feet long, and about 120 feet high. Over 20,000 people can occupy the church inside. Construction started in 1488, but it took until 1525 to complete some of the church as it is seen today. WWII destroyed a lot of the church and not until 1994 did the reconstruction get completed.

Near the entrance of the catherdal is the famous "devil's footprint". According to legend, the devil stomped his foot at this spot when he thought the architect had forgotten to put any windows in the church, before realizing the illusion. Enjoy panoramic views from the south tower and the art of Erasmus Grasser, Jan Polack, and Hans Krumpper that decorate the interior of Frauenkirche.

Which landmark particularly stands out in Munich's skyline? That would be the Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady or Frauenkirche, the church featuring two onion-shaped domes on top of twin towers that reach 99 meters (325 feet). But it's not just the church's architecture that makes it stand out, by law no other tower can be taller or obstruct the view of this symbolic Bavarian building.
You can also climb the steps of the towers (April 1st – October 31st; Monday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00p.m) - the view of Munich's cityscape and the Bavarian Alps is breathtaking. The architectural style of the brick-built cathedral is late Gothic from the 15th century. Built in 1494, the architectural style of the brick-built church is late Gothic. Its famous domes atop each tower were modeled on the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

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Frauenkirche is Munich's most famous church. Its proper name is "Dom zu Unserer Lieben Frau" (Cathedral of Our Loving Lady).
It was constructed in the second half of the 15th century and I must say that for me it is THE typical image of the city of Munich. Not Oktoberfest, not Allianz-Arena, not dirndl and lederhosen. When I think of Munich, I think of the towers of this church.
That the church is very special is also shown by a special Munich law: No building in the central city is allowed to be higher than 100m - thus, the towers of the church are always the highest towers and the skyline is not changing very much.

There is one point in the church from where you can see none of the windows. A legend is connected to this place, because there is a footprint exactly there. The legend says that the devil went into the church after it was finished, and when he saw that there were no windows, he made such a strong step that he caused the footprint. However, when he walked a little further, he of course had to see that there were windows!

There are many monarchs of Bavaria buried in the crypt. In the entrance, you can see a big portrait of Pope Benedict XVI.

Opening times: 07.00 to 19.00 saturday to wednesday, thursdays to 20.30, fridays to 18.00

If you have read some of my pages, you will know that usually I like to write a little more on the history of a church and how I liked it, but to be honest, this visit was so rushed and I just kind of peeked into the building, so I don't feel entitled to write more about it. It would not be honest or fair. So I leave it to a future visit to explore this church in more depth :-)

A must see for travellers to Munich...the Frauenkirche is a beautiful church, with observation towers that reaches high up...built in the 15th century, it is something to behold...Go up the towers to get a brilliant view of the old city and beyond.

The Frauenkirche or Church of Our Lady lies in the center of Munich, near Marienplatz. The foundation stone for the church was laid in 1468, the domes were later added in 1525. The church was partly destroyed during WW 2 and also by contra-reformists. Reconstruction of the church was started and lasted until 1993. The church is huge however, the interior is plain and white. Inside the church are crypts where dukes and bishops are buried. The memorial grave of Prince Elector Kurfürst Maximilian I is housed here. Also inside the church is the so called 'devil's footprint'. According to legend, the architect of the church, Jörg von Halsbach made a pact with the devil. He promised the devil that he would not see a window from the inside of the church. In return, the devil would help him build the church. After Jörg von Halsbach completed the building, he led the devil to the middle of the church. Here, the devil could not see a single window, although the churchgoers in other areas would see a lot of light come through the windows. The devil is said to have stamped his foot with rage at this deception. Now, his footprint can be seen in the stone floor. For excellent views of the city in all directions, try climbing a couple flights of stairs and take an elevator to the top of one of the towers.

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By far, the best known church at Munich, this Our Lady's Church -Frauenkirche- can be seen from many places leading the skyline. Its green bulbs over high towers are distinguising and mark the city's center, close to the Neue Rathaus.

This building grows upwards and it's made in a kind of late gothic style marked by the verticality. In fact, when approaching it, surrounded by narrow streets, you have to rise the head. It seems to be there was a first church here in XIIIth century but the structure we can see now was made between XIVth and XVIth. It was hardly beaten when WWII and had to be rebuilt. That's why the inner shape seems so sober and clean. Being so famous it is not really the prettiest except for the maginificent external presence.

As many churches here, the prettier the facade the more sober the inner. To fill the blank spaces the remains of the former decoration and tools were incorporated and that increases the sense of restoration making you to wonder what was the original church like.

A curious detail: when entering the place you see a slab at the floor with a black footprint in it and everybody makes themselves photos stepping on it. It's a Munich legend: It's called the "devil's footprint" for it's said Devil couldn't take a single step further away from this place when he discovered it was a church. Funny.

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I am not able to tell you anymore about this lovely church than what is already available here on VT. All I am going to say it that this church with its twin onion-domed spires have become a symbol of the city and I loved my visit to this church.

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This very disctintive church is just north of Marian Platz and is dedicated to the virgin. This 12th century church is the seat of the Munich Archbishop adn contains the crypt of man of the Bavariian royalty.