What if I told you that the second highest church in Munich stands right here? This is the Heilig Kreuz Church. It is a testament to neo-Gothic architecture and Giesing’s oldest parish church.
Heilig Kreuz is more than just a building. It represents the growth and changes in Munich. Giesing was incorporated into Munich in 1854. The growing population needed a larger church. The romantic movement wanted a grand city parish church. The top of Giesinger Berg was chosen as the perfect site.
Construction of Heilig Kreuz began in 1866. Georg von Dollmann designed the three-aisled hall church. Dollmann also worked for King Ludwig II. He oversaw the construction of Neuschwanstein Castle. He also helped design Linderhof Palace. The church was consecrated in 1886. The old village church was demolished in 1888 to make way for gardens.
Notice the 95-meter-high octagonal tower. It is only four meters shorter than the Frauenkirche towers. Heilig Kreuz is the second tallest church in Munich. The churchyard is the highest point in Munich.
Sadly, World War II damaged Heilig Kreuz. A bomb in 1944 destroyed the roof and stained glass. Repairs started in 1948 and lasted until the 1970s. A complete renovation took place from 1988 to 2015.
Listen to the bells. Karl Czudnochowsky cast them in 1953. They ring in the Salve Regina motif. The large bell dates from 1960.
Inside Heilig Kreuz, admire the high altar. Josef Beyrer created it based on Dollmann’s designs. Look at the new stained-glass windows by Christoph Brech. They replaced Wilhelm Geyer’s windows from 1960 in 2019.
Take note of the pulpit. Josef Beyrer also made it. Notice the Stations of the Cross and Apostle sculptures. Beyrer created these too. The reliefs in the transept are also his work.
Consider the main organ. Ludwig Eisenbarth built it in 1975. It uses the case of the previous organ. G. F. Steinmeyer & Co. built the original organ in 1886.
Did you know that the outline of Heilig Kreuz is in the Giesinger Bräu brewery logo? This shows how important the church is to the community. Heilig Kreuz stands as a symbol of faith, history, and art.