St. Lorenz

Gazing up at St. Lorenz Church, its steeple piercing the Munich sky, one can almost hear whispers of centuries past. St. Lorenz sits in Oberföhring, a district steeped in history. Its tower, a prominent landmark, beckons visitors to uncover its story. The original church, built in 1315, served the community for generations. But time took its toll. By 1678, the old structure had deteriorated beyond repair. It was demolished, making way for the baroque masterpiece we see today. A member of the talented Zwerger family of Schliersee masterfully crafted the new St. Lorenz. The church was consecrated in 1680, a testament to resilience and faith. The tower itself saw a rebirth in 1893, further solidifying its place in the Oberföhring skyline. More recently, between 2015 and 2018, St. Lorenz underwent extensive interior renovations. This breathed new life into the historic space, preserving it for future generations. In 2020, a new altar and ambo, sculpted by Gregor Passens from a single block of South Tyrolean stone, were consecrated. These additions enhanced the spiritual heart of St. Lorenz. Relics of Saint Benno, Munich’s patron saint, and Blessed Otto, Bishop of Freising, now rest within the altar. These sacred fragments connect St. Lorenz to the wider tapestry of Bavarian religious history. Inside, the church boasts a rich, four-aisled nave and a chancel adorned with intricate stucco work. Angels, some bearing symbols of the Passion, intertwine with spiraling foliage and delicate rosettes. The coat of arms of Albrecht Sigismund of Bavaria, the prince-bishop who commissioned the baroque reconstruction, proudly graces the chancel arch. The high altar, a magnificent creation from 1736-37, features statues of apostles Peter and Paul, salvaged from a 1648 altarpiece. A 1964 painting by Karl Diebitsch depicts the martyrdom of St. Lawrence, mirroring a Tizian masterpiece. Two side altars, crafted in 1764, showcase the artistic talent of Benedikt Häuser. St. Lorenz is more than just a church; it is a living chronicle of Oberföhring’s history, a place where the past and present intertwine.