As a Catholic state, Bavaria boasts many impressive churches. In Munich itself, the Frauenkirche is considered the quintessential landmark, and the magnificent Asam Church on Sendlinger Straße is a hit on social media. However, the Asam brothers were active not only in Munich but also in other cities in Bavaria. For example, they were involved in the interior decoration of the monastery church of St. Mary’s Assumption, which was built according to the plans of Giovanni Antonio Viscardi . A visit to this imposing church is a must for all Baroque enthusiasts.
A jewel of the Baroque
The Church of St. Mary’s Assumption is part of the Cistercian monastery in Fürstenfeldbruck and, with its 70-meter-high tower, catches the eye from afar. Founded in 1263, the monastery underwent a Baroque redesign at the end of the 17th century, a project commissioned to Giovanni Antonio Viscardi. As part of this project, construction of the new monastery church began in 1700. Since its Baroque renovation, the entire complex has been nicknamed the “Bavarian Escorial,” as it is reminiscent of the palace and monastery complex of San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Spain. The Church of the Assumption, in particular, is considered one of the most significant buildings of the South German Baroque period.
Shortly after construction began, work came to a halt, a pause that would last until Viscardi’s death in 1713. Eventually, Johann Georg Ettenhofer took over and pushed the construction work forward. Upon completion, the church measured 87 meters in length and 43.5 meters in width. The building stands impressively before you and features many intricate details even from the outside. The choir stands out in a circular shape from the otherwise angular structure, which features Tuscan, Ionic, and Corinthian columns. Once you can tear yourself away from the exterior of St. Mary’s Assumption, you should definitely take a look inside.
Interior of St. Mary’s Assumption
While the exterior construction was completed in 1747, it took nearly two more decades for the interior decoration to be finished. The Asam brothers were responsible for the ceiling frescoes and the altars, including the high altar. Every square centimeter of the monastery church is richly decorated. Detailed paintings, stucco decorations, gold elements, and figurative representations are spread throughout the entire interior. To take in as many details as possible, it’s best to book a guided tour of St. Mary’s Assumption.
From May through September, the entire church interior is open for free viewing Wednesday through Sunday . If you visit on another day, you can at least look inside through the grille. Additionally, services and evening masses are held on Sundays and holidays. During your visit to the Bavarian Escorial, you can also take a detour to the Fürstenfeldbruck City Museum , housed in the former monastery brewery. Here you can learn more about the history of the monastery and its Church of the Assumption.
📍 Location: Fürstenfeld 7, 82256 Fürstenfeldbruck
📅 Dates: May through September
🕑 Opening hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
