The Frauenkirche in Munich

The Frauenkirche is the most famous church and perhaps the most important landmark of Munich. The building is a gothic brick building, which was completed in 1488 after 20 years of construction. The interior of the Frauenkirche is of enormous size: standing upright, the church is said to be able to accommodate more than 20,000 people. It has two identical towers, each 98 metres high. They tower above the centre of Munich: according to a decree by referendum, no building higher than the Frauenkirche has been allowed to be built in the inner area of Munich for several years. The church in the heart of Munich has been a bishop’s church since 1821. The full name of the Frauenkirche is: „Church of our dear women“.

Picture: © Manfred Steinbach – Fotolia.com

The church looks quite simple from the inside and outside. The southern tower can be climbed. From the top you have an excellent view over Munich. In good weather one can clearly see the individual mountains of the Alps.

Interesting is the devil’s foot step. It is a footprint in the ground at the entrance of the Frauenkirche. From here one has the impression that the church has no windows.

One of the two towers of the Frauenkirche can be climbed. From the top, one has a great view over the whole of Munich, in good weather one can also see the Alps. The Frauenkirche is a cathedral, thus the seat of a bishop. In total, the Frauenkirche has 10 bells, 7 of them are in the south tower that is accessible for visitors. The biggest bell of the Frauenkirche named Susanne has a weight of eight tons. The four organs in the Frauenkirche Munich are new (from 1981 to 1994). The bishop’s crypt is also interesting. Several Bavarian kings and cardinals are buried here.

The performances of the famous cathedral choir and organ concerts in the Frauenkirche are also recommendable.

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Arrival Frauenkirche Munich

The Frauenkirche can be reached on foot in less than 5 minutes from the centre of Munich, Marienplatz (all S-Bahn lines and the U3 and U6 underground lines). Not much further (about 10 minutes) is the stop Karlsplatz, also called Stachus (S1-S8 as well as U4 and U5).

Tip: Great city tour through Munich Many important sights in Munich are not far from each other in the center. There is a very good walking tour of the city every day, ideal for a first overview of the attractions in the city center. On this tour you can see, among other things, Marienplatz with the town hall, the famous Frauenkirche, the Hofbräuhaus and the famous Viktualienmarkt. Duration of the tour approximately 1.5 hours, 1-2 times a day, language German. Almost all participants rated this city tour very positively. Can be booked online, not expensive. More on this at the following link: >>>>>    Information, prices and booking on the internet city tour of Munich city center at Getyourguide.de

Munich city tour on the subject of the Third Reich From our point of view a well done and interesting city tour: Munich was the beginning of the Nazis, Adolf Hitler lived in the city for many years. Munich is known for the resistance of the White Rose group. At the end of the war the city lay in ruins. Start of the tour at Marienplatz, guided tour on foot, duration about 2.5 hours.     >>>>>     More Information and Booking

City map Munich with Frauenkirche

The Frauenkirche is in the centre of the city, for many Munich residents it is even the centre.

Opening hours Frauenkirche Munich

The Frauenkirche is open every day from 7 am. The church is closed in the evening between 18 and 20 o’clock. During a church service you can of course not visit the church. The tower can be climbed from April to October from 10 to 17 o’clock (not Sundays).

Link tip: The church Sagrada Famila in Barcelona by Gaudi

More information Frauenkirche Munich

The Frauenkirche, also called St. Mary’s Cathedral, is a famous landmark in Munich. This iconic church is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols and has historical and cultural significance. Here you will find a detailed article about the Frauenkirche in Munich.

The Frauenkirche, which translates to “Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” stands proudly in the heart of Munich. This incredible structure has not only become a symbol of the city, but is also a testament to centuries of history, resilience and architectural excellence.

History of the Frauenkirche Munich:
The construction of the Frauenkirche dates back to the late 15th century. On behalf of Duke Sigismund, the church was designed by Jörg von Halsbach and later completed by his successors. The building’s striking façade with two massive towers earned it the nickname „Cathedral of Our Lady“ or „Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary.“

Architecture:
The architecture of the Frauenkirche is an impressive example of late Gothic style. The church was built predominantly from red brick and its most striking feature is the twin towers that dominate the Munich skyline. Each tower is 99 meters high and remains a testament to the ingenuity of medieval architects. The interior is spacious and grand, as befits a historically significant cathedral.

Devil’s Footprint:
According to legend, the devil made a deal with the builders to allow them to build a windowless church. But the clever builders deceived the devil and when the Frauenkirche was completed, it turned out that the columns inside blocked the view from the entrance to the altar. The demon realized he had been outwitted and, frustrated, left his footprints near the entrance. Visitors can still see dark footprints on the ground, adding a folkloric touch to the church’s charm.

Destruction and reconstruction:
The Frauenkirche suffered severe damage from bombing raids during the Second World War, particularly in 1944. The roof collapsed and the interior was in ruins. However, postwar reconstruction efforts demonstrated how resilient the city and its residents were. The church was painstakingly restored to its former glory and the rebuilt Frauenkirche was consecrated in 1954.

Today:
Today the Frauenkirche serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. It is not only a place of worship but also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors are attracted not only by its religious significance, but also by the panoramic view of Munich from the tower. The Frauenkirche symbolizes Munich’s ability to rise from the ashes and rebuild, embodying the city’s resilience and determination.

Munich’s Frauenkirche is a living testament to the city’s rich history, architectural prowess and resilience. Its iconic tower and historical significance make it a must-see for locals and tourists alike. As Munich continues to evolve, the Frauenkirche remains an enduring symbol that connects present and past and inspires admiration for the enduring spirit of the city and its citizens.