Asamkirche (Asam Church), Munich

Asamkirche (Asam Church), Munich (must see)

Although modest in size, this church is famed for having the most lavish interior of any religious site in Munich. What it lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in sheer decorative intensity鈥攆rescoes, marble, stucco, and layer upon layer of gold leaf all compete for the eye鈥檚 attention. The style might not be to everyone鈥檚 taste, but it鈥檚 difficult not to be captivated. It鈥檚 gaudy, yes鈥攁nd unmistakably Baroque鈥攂ut in a very special way that you don't get to see very often.

Built in the 1730s and 1740s by the talented Asam brothers, the church was originally intended as their private chapel. It was later opened to the public and consecrated in honor of Saint Johann Nepomuk, a Bohemian monk and martyr. According to legend, he was executed by drowning in the Danube after refusing to reveal the Queen鈥檚 confessions鈥攁n act ordered by King Wenceslaus.

Inside, you鈥檒l find a visual feast. The ceiling bursts with frescoes, including a dramatic scene depicting Saint Nepomuk鈥檚 final moments in the river. The high altar is flanked by four elaborately twisted columns and features a glass shrine holding a wax figure of the saint. Look upward, and you'll spot a striking sculpture of God the Father leaning over the crucified Christ, perched above the cornice. Much of what you see today is the result of a detailed restoration carried out between 1975 and 1982.

Here鈥檚 a tip: try to visit early in the morning, before the crowds arrive鈥攐r outside of mass hours if possible. And if the sun鈥檚 shining, even better. The light catches the gilded surfaces beautifully, making the whole interior shimmer like a golden dream.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Asamkirche (Asam Church)
Sight Location: Munich, Germany (See walking tours in Munich)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Old Town Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Munich, Germany

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