Frauenkirche
Dom zu Unserer Lieben Frau
Munich's cathedral, whose two red-brick towers topped with “onion” domes form the city's most recognizable skyline.
The Frauenkirche was built between 1468 and 1488 as a late Gothic brick cathedral that can hold about 20,000 people. Its two towers, each about 99 meters high, are topped with Renaissance-style domes, and the city still forbids buildings taller than the cathedral (a height cap of about 100 meters in the city center). At the entrance, a famous “Devil's Footprint” is set into the floor. According to legend, the Devil bet the architect that he could not see the windows, and standing on this spot you indeed cannot see the side windows, so in a rage he stamped his foot and left a mark. The interior is tall and simple, with the black marble tomb of Emperor Louis IV the Bavarian and the Wittelsbach family crypt. Former Pope Benedict XVI once served as Archbishop of Munich. After years of restoration, the south tower has reopened for climbing (ticket required; elevator plus stairs), offering views over the old town and the Alps on clear days. The cathedral is free to visit, but please keep quiet during Mass. It is about a 3-minute walk from Marienplatz.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–20:00; tower climb approx. 10:00–17:00 (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Marienplatz & New Town Hall
- St. Peter's Church (Alter Peter)
- Viktualienmarkt
- Odeonsplatz & Theatine Church
- Asam Church (St. Johann Nepomuk)
- Munich Residenz
- Hofbräuhaus am Platzl
- Karlsplatz (Stachus) & Kaufingerstraße