Sights - Frauenkirche Munich
The Frauenkirche is the landmark in the city of Munich; its two bulbous spires dominate the skyline in the city centre of Munich. Known as the Frauenkirche, its official name is actually “Dom zu Unserer Lieben Frau in München“ (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady in Munich).
You should most certainly make time for our Frauenkirche if you come to the state capital of Munich. Located at the heart of the city centre, the “Church of Our Lady in Munich” is a cathedral and Seat of the Arch Bishop of Munich and Freising.
The Frauenkirche was mentioned for the first time 1269. In 1271, it received the rights of a Parish Church. Following renovation and expansion, the cathedral offered standing space for approximately 20,000 churchgoers. The spires were completed in 1488, while the characteristic and world-famous cupolas were added in 1525.
The Gothic cathedral and city church takes its name from its patroness, Mary the Mother of Christ.
The Wittelsbach Family Crypt is also worth visiting besides the chapels of the Frauenkirche. Among others, it is the last resting place of King Ludwig of Bayern.
The Frauenkirche was seriously damaged by aerial bombing raids during the Second World War (1944). It was reconstructed between 1946 and 1960 in the sober style of the post–war era. It was not until 1994 that roughly 400 preserved artefacts returned to their proper home in the Frauenkirche. And the collection had even grown to include new items. The Frauenkirche was renovated as a sight between 1989 and 1994, and narthex was restored to its original form.
The famous Teufelstritt (“Devil’s Footstep”) in the Frauenkirche is located in the centre of the narthex.
A legend tells the story of how the devil was angered by yet another church in Munich and laid plans to destroy it even before it was consecrated. After the Frauenkirche was built, he crept into the narthex, curiously considering the building from his perch. And when the devil couldn’t make out a window, he stamped his foot and burst out in happy laughter. In doing so he left a footprint in the floor. Following consecration, the devil noticed how many people were coming to the church. And suddenly he saw the windows on the outside and realised his mistake. Gripped by anger, he transformed into a mighty wind and sought to bring the church crashing down. But he couldn’t manage it. And that is why even today, a small rush of air is noticeable when people enter the Frauenkirche.
The two spires on Frauenkirche reach almost 100 metres into the sky and look mightily impressive. Popular myth would have us believe that there is a difference of precisely one metre between the heights of the spires. But measurements have shown that at 98.57 metres for the north tower and 98.45 metres for the south tower, the spires are almost exactly the same size.
A decree by the city of Munich, in place since 2004, states that no other building may be erected anywhere within the city limits that is taller than the Frauenkirche. This guarantees that the spires of the Frauenkirche continue to dominate the skyline.
The publicly accessible south tower commands a particularly magnificent view over the city of Munich. There you can marvel at the seven massive bells and the view over the city and even the Alps.
Refurbishment means that the two spires of the Frauenkirche will remain shut until probably 2016.
Frauenkirche Munich
Additional Infos
Opening hours Frauenkirche:
Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Thursday until 8.30 pm
Friday until 6 pm
Cathedral tours of the Frauenkirche:
May to September, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 pm.
Duration: approx. 60 minutes
Meeting point: beneath the organ emporium
Tours of the spires:
Not possible at the moment!
(April to October/Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm)
It is not possible to visit the Frauenkirche during church services.