Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan

Gazing upon the Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan, one might hear whispers of gratitude. Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, commissioned this church. It was a symbol of thanks for the birth of their heir, Prince Max Emanuel, in 1662. Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan stands as a testament to their joy. This Italian High Baroque masterpiece, inspired by Sant’Andrea della Valle in Rome, was designed by Agostino Barelli. Construction began in 1663. Disagreements arose between Barelli and his construction manager, leading to Barelli’s dismissal. He completed the shell in 1674 before departing Munich. Enrico Zuccalli then took over. He added the iconic twin towers, soaring to 64.6 meters, a feature absent from Barelli’s original design. He also finished the magnificent 71-meter dome in 1690. The Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan was consecrated in 1675, even though still largely unfinished. The facade remained incomplete for nearly a century. Finally, François de Cuvilliés designed the Rococo facade. His son completed it in 1768. The church’s yellow hue became a symbol of Munich, influencing Baroque architecture across Southern Germany. Inside Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan, a simpler white interior awaits. The high altar holds a 1646 painting by Gaspar de Crayer. It depicts Mary and the infant Jesus surrounded by saints. The original altarpiece, depicting the church’s founding, was destroyed during World War II. The church also houses the tombs of King Maximilian II and Queen Marie. The crypt, known as the Prince’s Tomb, holds the remains of numerous Wittelsbach family members. This includes Ferdinand Maria, Maximilian II Emanuel, Karl VII, Maximilian III Joseph, Karl Theodor, Maximilian I Joseph, Otto of Greece, and Prince Regent Luitpold. Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan is more than just a church. It is a historical tapestry woven with threads of gratitude, architectural brilliance, and royal lineage.