St. Michael's Church Attractions & Landmark
Largest Renaissance church north of the Alps
München,
80331
Germany
+49 89 2339 6500 (Tourist Information)Transport Options:
Train Available: Karlsplatz: S1-S8, U4, U5 , Tram 16-21, 27
Overview
One of the most significant Renaissance churches north of the Alps, St. Michael's was originally built for the Jesuits. The inside is lavishly decorated and home to the second largest free-standing vaults in the world. There is an interesting answer as to why the church does not have a tower: when the first tower was destroyed while being built, Duke William V took it as a bad omen and built a much larger church, but without a tower. In the so-called 'royal vault', visitors will come across the resting place of 40 members of the Wittelsbacher royal family.
The Art work is stunning and the crypt is fascinating not too be missed if you love old Gothic style churches with stunning art work. Best of all it's awe inspiring and free. Located at the west end of the marienplatz and near the frauenkriche it good be just the respite you need after walking all day around gorgeous downtown Munich. In the basement is the crypt with various royal family members. It's open late on most nites (9:00 PM) therefore make sure you plan your more time dependant events first.
I DID NOT KNOW ALOT OF GERMAN. I AM NOT CATHOLIC ----BUT I DID ENJOY THE SERVICE. THE MUSIC AS I REMEMBER WAS EXCELLENT. THE CHURCH WAS FULL. GOD WAS WORSHIPPED.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this church. I took lots of pictures and could have taken many more. It was a special treat for me to visit here as I am Catholic and a retired cop. (St. Michael is the patron saint of police officers.) Pope Benedict was the Bishop of this Church, I was told. It was neat to see the crypt of King Ludwig too. We visited his castle at Neuschwanstein several days later. What great history and heritage.
This church is the polar opposite of the Frauenkirche that is also located in the city. Outside is a modest appearance. No major towers (although it once had one) are on this church, but the treat is inside where you will find a ceiling and vaults that really do appear as though Heaven itself is directly above you. When you come in the mid-morning or evening, sunbeams penetrate the upper windows and make the scenery seem almost come alive. If you come to Munich looking for Cathedrals, you'll not be disappointed with going to a "church" instead.
The first impression you get from the Church of St. Michael is the giant statue of St. Michael conquering Satan outside. The figures are almost lifelike and looking at it you can feel the strruggle between not only these two but between good and evil itself. Inside, the Church is so bright and the high altar is gilded in beautiful gold- very Baroque. There is also a beautiful statue of Mary in one of the side altars that resembles Our Lady of Guadalupe with the golden rays behind her- A beautiful church worth stopping in and taking some quiet, prayerful time.
There is nothing that can compare with the inside if St. Michaels. It was truly as if being apart of something wonderful. The church was beautiful and the structure was amazing. I am not Catholic but I would have converted on that day if I could have stayed there. Definetly an amazing church and a must see while in Munich.
