Can you spot the unusual tower? St. Pius Church has one. It is unlike any other church in Munich. St. Pius is a Roman Catholic parish church. It is located in Berg am Laim. This district belongs to Munich-Perlach. The church is striking. Its tower is massive. It stretches across the entire width of the nave.
Let’s delve into the history of St. Pius. The church was built in 1931 and 1932. It was for the new housing estate, Neuramersdorf. Cardinal Michael von Faulhaber consecrated it on April 4, 1932. Pope Pius V is the patron saint. Since 2009, St. Pius and St. Maria Ramersdorf have formed a parish association.
Richard Berndl designed St. Pius. Georg Berlinger was the master builder. The church is 49 meters long and 25 meters wide. The interior is 15 meters high. The tower reaches a height of 28 meters. A six-meter-high cross sits atop the tower.
The church suffered heavy damage on July 12, 1944. Bomber attacks destroyed the rectory. Reconstruction started after the war. The parsonage was ready again in 1950.
Inside St. Pius, you will find impressive art. Ludwig Magnus Hotter created the Four Evangelists on the pulpit. Albert Figel designed the Stations of the Cross. They are painted on copper plates. These plates adorn the pillars. Josef Henselmann created the wood carvings. This includes the large cross in the sanctuary. Max Faller designed the bronze work. This includes the tabernacle. It also includes the ambo and the six candlesticks. Wilhelm Braun designed the colored glass windows. The Gustav van Treeck company executed these designs. They are known for mosaics and glass painting.
St. Pius features four cast steel bells. They are in the tower. The Bochumer Verein cast them.
The church has an interesting organ. WRK Orgelbau built it in 1979. It has four manuals and 51 registers. A new console was installed in 2014. It has additional electronic functions.
St. Pius cares for the chapel in the St. Maria-Ramersdorf retirement home.
St. Pius stands as a testament to early modernism. It is a place of faith. It is a landmark in Munich. The unique architecture and rich history make it special. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty.