Whether viewed from Marienplatz, from the city’s rooftops, or from afar: the Cathedral of Our Lady, known to everyone simply as the Frauenkirche, is Munich’s undisputed symbol. The cornerstone for the late-Gothic brick hall church was laid in 1468 under master builder Jörg von Halspach. Since there were no nearby quarries, bricks were chosen instead. After only 20 years of construction, the breathtaking church was completed as early as 1488. The north tower (98.57 meters) and the south tower (98.45 meters) did not receive their famous “Welschen Hauben” until around 1525.
After suffering severe damage during World War II, the Frauenkirche was gradually rebuilt beginning in 1948 and today serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. It is no coincidence that the Frauenkirche continues to dominate the Munich skyline to this day. In a 2004 referendum, local residents voted to prohibit the construction of any building in Munich taller than the cathedral’s nearly 99 meters.
From dark legends to the best view of the city
A visit to Munich Cathedral is also worthwhile from the inside. Admission to the late-Gothic cathedral is free daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except during church services. Right in the entrance area, the mysterious “Devil’s Footprint” awaits visitors. According to legend, the devil laughed maliciously because, from this spot, he could not see a single window, as the massive octagonal pillars and the high altar of that time completely blocked his view. In his joy, he stamped his foot, leaving his footprint in the stone. When the devil realized his mistake, he raged so furiously around the building that, according to legend, his stormy breeze can still be felt around the cathedral to this day.
Alongside works of art such as the Wittelsbach cenotaph for Emperor Ludwig of Bavaria, the south tower is the absolute highlight. You can reach the top via a spiral staircase with over 90 steps or by elevator. From the glass-enclosed tower room, you can enjoy the highest public panoramic view of the Old Town, stretching across Marienplatz and, on a clear day, all the way to the Alps.
All the important information you need to visit the Frauenkirche
- South Tower opening hours: Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sundays and holidays from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.).
- Tickets: Adults pay 7.50 euros, children (ages 7 to 16) and those eligible for reduced rates pay 5.50 euros, and children under 7 enter free of charge; family tickets cost 21 euros. Tickets are available at the cathedral shop or online. More information about admission can be found on the official website.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours of Munich’s Frauenkirche begin Monday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m.; registration is required at the cathedral shop.
- Accessibility: The church is accessible via the north portal, but unfortunately the south tower is not.
