In Munich and the surrounding area, there are numerous impressive sacred buildings that take you on an architectural journey through the most diverse eras of art history: From Rococo to Gothic to the Romanesque style, everything is represented. Byzantine buildings, on the other hand, are rather rare, but they do exist. And you don’t have to travel far to see one with your own eyes. On the shores of Lake Starnberg lies the Votive Chapel of Berg, which Prince Regent Luitpold had built in memory of his late nephew, Ludwig II.
Mysterious Death
To this day, many rumors surround the death of King Ludwig II, and the exact circumstances remain unclear. Physically, his health had been declining for years, and mentally, he is said to have been in poor condition. He was diagnosed as insane, not least to have him declared legally incompetent and forced to abdicate. On June 12, 1886, he was finally taken to Berg on Lake Starnberg, where his castle had been converted into a private psychiatric hospital. The following day, Ludwig and his physician, Dr. Bernhard von Gudden, left the house together around 6:45 p.m. When they still had not returned by 8:00 p.m. despite the pouring rain, a search was launched, and both bodies were found floating lifeless on the shore of Lake Starnberg.
To this day, it remains unknown how the two deaths occurred. Ludwig showed no signs of injury, whereas von Gudden sustained scratches and a bruise. A cross now stands in Lake Starnberg at the spot where the king’s body was found in the water. A few meters further up the slope, the impressive votive chapel rises up among the trees. Ludwig’s uncle, Prince Regent Luitpold, had it built in his memory 10 years after the anniversary of his death. He commissioned the same artists who had already worked on Neuschwanstein Castle. The votive chapel was finally consecrated on June 13, 1900, and is dedicated to Saint Louis IX of France.
Artistic Votive Chapel
The votive chapel blends Byzantine and Romanesque elements and stands on a high concrete base. It is an octagonal dome structure with a hipped roof. From the outside, it measures an impressive 32 meters; inside, 22 meters. In front of the chapel stands a memorial lamp that Ludwig’s mother had erected. Inside, you’ll discover detailed frescoes by Alfred Spieß on the walls and ceilings. Alongside the Virgin Mary, you’ll find the eight patron saints of the Bavarian dioceses depicted along the octagon. Saint Ludwig and the Archangel Michael are also immortalized here.
If you want to explore the Votive Chapel yourself, it’s not far from Munich. By car, it takes 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic; by public transit, about an hour. From April 1 to October 31, it’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, you cannot enter the Votive Chapel completely; you can only approach the protective railing. Nevertheless, this allows you a good view of the interior. And even from the outside, the imposing structure is more than impressive. If you’re still in the mood for some nature after your visit to the Votive Chapel, we recommend a walk through the Maisinger Gorge, which you’ll also find on Lake Starnberg.
