Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche

Introduction The Frauenkirche is the iconic building featured on Munich’s postcards.

The church was built in the 15th century, but its towers were never completed. It wasn’t until 50 years later, in the 16th century, that people decided to finish constructing the tower tops. By then, the Gothic architectural era had given way to the Renaissance style. Gothic churches inevitably also got the fashionable domes of the time, which were referred to as “Romanesque hats”—meaning “exotic” or perhaps “Italian-style.” This dome style became the model for many later churches in Bavaria.

In summer, an elevator takes visitors straight up to the tower top, where on clear days you can see the peaks of the Alps to the south and the cityscape of Munich.

Legend: The architect Jurg von Halsbach promised the devil that he would build a church from which no windows could be seen inside. Therefore, the devil helped him construct the church. After completing the building, the architect took the devil to the center of the church and told him that here he could not see a single window, although all the regular worshippers sat in a well-lit area. The devil, furious at being tricked, stamped his foot, and his footprint remains imprinted in the stone floor as the “devil’s footprint.” Transport Take the subway to Marienplatz Station. Tickets/Opening Hours €1. Opening hours: Open from April to October; Monday to Saturday: 10:00–17:00, closed on Sundays and public holidays. Phone: 290 0820

Munich, Germany