Munich's Frauenkirche - the Cathedral of Our Lady

Written by Bryan Dearsley

The Frauenkirche, Munich's iconic Cathedral of Our Lady, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural prowess.

Munich Cathedral: Interior Highlights

The Frauenkirche's interior, once remodeled in the Renaissance style and later restored to Gothic design, is characterized by its whitewashed walls and 22 tall octagonal pillars. A notable feature is the footprint legend of the Devil in the porch, alongside other interior highlights such as the Assumption altarpiece by Peter Candid, the Baroque font, and the modern pulpit by Blasius Spreng.

The Cathedral's Many Chapels

The cathedral houses over 20 chapels, each with its own unique features. Noteworthy are the North Tower Chapel's relief of the Virgin, the Main Choir Chapel's painting of the Virgin of Mercy, and St. Benno's Chapel with its relics and stained glass. Other chapels contain significant artworks and stained glass windows, such as the Chapel of St. Anne and St. George, the Sacramental Chapel, and St. Sebastian's Chapel.

Notable Tombs

The Frauenkirche serves as the final resting place for many historic figures of southern Bavaria. The crypt holds tombs of archbishops and members of the Wittelsbach family, while the main cathedral contains the Tomb of the Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian and other significant monuments.

Touring Munich's Frauenkirche

One-hour tours of the cathedral are available from May to October, offering insights into the building's history and architecture. Special biblical-themed tours are also conducted, focusing on specific areas of the cathedral.

Tips and Tactics: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Munich's Frauenkirche

• Services: Visitors can attend daily services, including Holy Mass and Midday Prayers.
• Special Viewings: The Island Altar is open for viewing on Mondays in August before noon prayers.
• Shopping: A shop selling religious items and souvenirs operates from April to October.
• Concerts: Check for concert and organ recital schedules during your visit.

Getting to the Frauenkirche

• On Foot: The cathedral is centrally located at Frauenplatz 12, near major tourist attractions.
• By Public Transit: Accessible by subway (Marienplatz U-Bahn station), bus, and tram.
• By Train: A short walk from München Hauptbahnhof, the main train station.
• By Road: Parking is limited; it's best to park outside the city center and use public transit.

Address

Frauenplatz 12, 80331 München, Germany

What's Nearby?

Close to the Frauenkirche are attractions like Marienplatz, the Virgin's Column, the Isartor gate-tower, and the New Town Hall, all surrounded by excellent dining and accommodation options.