What if I told you that Munich’s skyline is fiercely protected by a city-wide vote? It is a vote ensuring nothing obscures the view of the Frauenkirche.
The Frauenkirche, or Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, stands as Munich’s most famous church. Its towers are unmistakable landmarks. Locals ensured in 2004 that no new building exceeds its height of 98.57 meters.
Erected in the 15th century by Jörg von Halsbach, the Frauenkirche’s construction is interesting. Brick was used to save money due to a lack of stone quarries. The main structure was completed quickly in just 20 years, by 1488.
But the towers’ hallmark helmed roofs weren’t added until 1525. The style was inspired by the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. It was mistakenly thought to be Solomon’s Temple at the time.
The Frauenkirche suffered heavy damage during World War II air raids. Reconstruction occurred between 1948 and 1955. The design became plainer with fewer embellishments. Later renovations added more ornate features. Today, the cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Munich and Freising.
A terrifying legend surrounds the Frauenkirche. The devil is said to have left a footprint at the entrance. There are several versions of the Teufelstritt story.
As building work concluded, the devil was annoyed that another building had been erected in God’s name. In the entrance hall, he noticed the church seemed windowless. He laughed at the builder’s apparent stupidity.
He leapt in joy. Upon landing, he left behind his footprint. Taking another step, he discovered windows cleverly hidden by massive pillars. The former high altar had also obscured them.
In anger, the devil transformed into a storm. He attempted to tear down the church but failed. It is said you can still feel his wind in the streets around the Frauenkirche.
Inside, the Frauenkirche is a late Gothic, three-nave hall church. The nave is 109 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 37 meters high. It can accommodate 20,000 people.
The towers themselves are slightly different heights. The south tower measures 98.45 meters. The north tower is minimally higher at 98.57 meters.
The south tower is open to visitors. Since March 2022, visitors can access it via a spiral staircase and an elevator. At almost 99 meters, a panoramic view of Munich and the Alps awaits from 16 windows.
The interior is relatively simple compared to other Gothic buildings. The altar area is crowned by reliefs from the life of Mary. The Wittelsbach Monument is richly decorated with bronze figures and symbols.
Below the cathedral is the bishop’s crypt. Members of the noble House of Wittelsbach and archbishops of Munich and Freising are buried there.
The Frauenkirche regularly hosts organ concerts. It has several choirs and its own cathedral singing school. The large main organ is one of four in the cathedral.
So, as you stand here, remember the Frauenkirche’s history. Recall the legend of the devil’s footprint. Think about the vote that protects its skyline view. It is a landmark in every sense of the word.