Munich is steeped in history, with the Bavarian capital dating back to the 12th century. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the city’s architecture, including its many impressive churches. Read on for our recommendations for Munich’s must-see religious buildings.

Asam Church

The Asam Church (or Asamkirche) was built between 1733 and 1746 by the Asam brothers Egid and Cosmas – both pioneering rococo artists – as their own private church. However, the pair eventually agreed to open the building up to the public after facing resistance from the people of Munich.

It’s easy to see why the Asams were so keen to keep this church to themselves. Located on Sendlinger Strasse, it boasts an impressive Baroque facade and a ceiling fresco entitled Life of Saint Nepomuk, which is considered to be one of Cosmas’ masterpieces.

The property only measures 22 x 8 m, so it’s staggering quite how much the builders managed to cram into this confined space, with paintings, sculptures and architecture all appearing to be in perfect harmony.

Given that they only intended the church to be used by themselves, the brothers decided to request a couple of somewhat peculiar stylistic points. For instance, Egid demanded that he be able to view the altar from a window of his private house next to the church.

St Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church has had a long and turbulent history. A pre-Merovingian holy building stood on the site of the current church from as early as the eighth century, before a new church in the Bavarian Romanesque style was consecrated in the late 1100s.

In later years it was expanded into a magnificent Gothic building, only to be destroyed in a great fire in 1327. However, the reconstruction was rededicated in 1368, while the 92 m spire received its Renaissance steeple top in the early 17th century.

Climb the aforementioned tower and you’ll be able to enjoy one of the best views over Munich – although you’ll have to be prepared to climb the 306 steps first. Inside, the church is dominated by a high altar and masterpieces from across many periods, including five Gothic paintings by Jan Polack and a ceiling fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.

Cathedral Church of Our Lady

Also known as the Frauenkirche, this church has become an enduring symbol of the Bavarian city. Its towers are visible from across the city due to building regulations that prevent other structures in the centre from exceeding 99 m in height.

The famous towers were completed way back in 1488, although financial constraints prevented the construction of its Gothic spires until 1525. You might be surprised to know that while they look similar, the towers are actually slightly different in height – the north tower stands at 98.57 m, making it 12 cm taller than the south tower.

While the outside of the building is relatively plain, this doesn’t prevent it from being an impressive structure, with the red brick from which it was constructed giving it an austere and commanding look.

Theatine Church

The Theatine Church was built between 1663 and 1690 in the Italian High Baroque style, which had a major influence on the Baroque architecture of southern Bavaria. Over the years, its yellow colouring and Mediterranean-style appearance have become almost synonymous with the city.

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