Winthirkirche

Nestled beside the tranquil Winthirfriedhof, the Winthirkirche whispers tales of resilience and transformation. This seemingly unassuming church has witnessed centuries of Munich’s history, evolving alongside the city itself. The Winthirkirche’s story begins in the late 15th century with a Gothic structure. This original building still forms part of the present choir. In 1597, the church became inextricably linked to the medieval itinerant preacher Winthir when his grave was incorporated into the building. From then on, locals affectionately referred to it as the “Winthirkircherl,” or little Winthir Church. Initially, the Winthirkirche served as the village church for the parish of Sendling. Disaster struck in 1794 when a fire ravaged the church, necessitating its reconstruction. The adjacent Winthirfriedhof expanded in 1829, reaching its largest extent. By the late 19th century, the eastern part of the cemetery had been decommissioned. Due to its deteriorating condition, the Winthirkirche was closed in 1861 and partially rebuilt by 1872. Neuhausen became an independent parish in 1882, with “Maria Himmelfahrt,” as the church was then known, becoming the local church. However, it was already too small for the growing community. This led to the construction of the Herz-Jesu-Kirche in 1889. Another setback occurred in 1931 when the tower collapsed, leading to the church’s reconstruction in a smaller form. It wasn’t until 1970 that the church officially reclaimed its historical name, the Winthirkirche. Today, the Winthirkirche stands as a testament to its enduring spirit, a blend of architectural styles reflecting its tumultuous journey through time. Inside, the Baroque high altar, adorned with a 1760 painting from Bernhaupten, commands attention. Additional sculptures by Karl Killer, crafted in 1908, enhance the interior’s artistic richness. On the exterior, a larger-than-life sculpture of the Blessed Winthir, created by Karl Baur, greets visitors on the street-facing west side. The Winthirkirche, more than just a church, is a living chronicle of Munich’s past.