Small but perfectly formed. The Asamkirche, Munich might not be the biggest church in the world at a mere 8 metres by 28 metres but it must be one of the most decorated. Not an inch of it can be seen that does not sport extravagant decoration. Let me take you inside the Asamkirche Munich.
Anybody who was anybody and also in search of a spot of Rococo decor in eighteenth century Germany would call the Asam brothers. When it came to building a church for themselves they didn’t have to bow to the limitation of a client’s budget or taste, they could go for broke. The Asamkirche is that church. Initially they wanted it to be only for them but the authorities intervened and its doors were flung open to the public.
The church’s real name is St John Nepomuk, a little known Bohemian saint shown here in the brothers’ statue of him, but nowadays everybody calls it Asamkirche. So tiny is the church and so fragile that you are only permitted to go a metre or so inside, then you press your nose up against a metal grille to take in the extravagant decor.
Golden angels flutter all over the interior, but it isn’t only cherubs that are dipped in gold. As you enter the church, this scissor wielding skeleton is one of the first things that you see. He is poised to snip the golden thread attached to the baby, a stark reminder that death can strike at anytime. Cheery stuff!
Entry into the church is free, although there is a box for donations. The Asamkirche is on one of Munich’s main shopping streets, just down from the massive medieval Sendlinger Tor. No signs announce its presence, it is very easy to walk past (as, indeed, I did) for all the theatrics are saved for the interior.
Visiting the Asam Kirche Munich
- Sendlinger Strasse 62
- Open: Daily 9am – 6pm
- Admission: Free
- Mass: Wednesday – Friday 5pm, Sunday 10am
If you are in Munich be sure to check out one of the many beer gardens.
That is a stark reminder and kind of amusing in its juxtaposition.
Wow that must be so impressive to see for real
Just wow! I’ve never seen such opulence in such a small place. A great place to look at but I’d imagine not ideal having a church you can’t go in? #MySundayPhoto
It is so tiny that you are not that far away, much like being a velvet rope in a stately home. They do have concerts which would be amazing!
Amazing. Fabulous imagery!
What a grand looking place. So much time and effort much have gone into it
Thank you for linking up
This is a great church! A true gem in Munich. I caught an organ concert one afternoon, it was fantastic.
Lucky you! When we were there the concerts were the day after we left and the day before we arrived!
So decedent and opulent it beggars belief! #mysundayphoto
Wow look at all that gold! It really is over the top but beautiful too. #MySundayPhoto
Wow what an amazing building I bet you could feel the culture & history in this building. #mysundayphoto
Stunning pictures. Thank you for your comment.
Oh my goodness, it looks so amazing. That must have taken forever to do. I think my neck would ache from staring up at it for so long!
There’s so much to take in isn’t there. Stunning #MySundayPhoto
Oh my! How did I miss this church in Munich?! (Actually, I know how. We were on a “beer tour” instead. *shrugs*) Still. beautiful. I will probably find myself in Munich again at some point in the future, and, if I do, I will make a point to explore this gorgeous church. Thanks for the write up and sharing the pictures! :)
Wow, Catherine, this little church is a find. It looks quite stunning inside, even if a little OTT. I do like the gold dipped skeleton. A stark reminder indeed.
xx
Oh my gosh! That first photo is simply stunning. What a beautiful place x
Wow! It is the first thing I can say. I am taking notes since I am visiting Munich in a couple of months. It would be lovely to stop by this church.#citytripping
Munich is a great place to visit and the Asamkirche is stunning
The Asamkirche has so much decor, I’m not sure where to look! It definitely is a labor of love and commitment and has plenty of variety and beauty in it.
What an incredible interior – it’s amazing sometimes to see how ornate and opulent even small churches are, as if all the restraint was saved for outside. #citytripping
I loved this church!! #citytripping
Very impressive! The detail and opulence is something else. Thanks for linking to #citytripping
I really need to go back next time I’m in Munich. My pictures are from a time I wasn’t serious about taking good pictures, before I invested in a good camera, therefore it doesn’t do it justice. You’re pictures certainly do! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, your pics are usually pretty awesome
Thank you!
i’ve been to Munich a couple times so I probably walked right past this. It is quite impressive on the inside, so much gold! Will definitely keep this in mind for next time. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Very easily walked past!
My goodness, how ornate!
What an amazing discovery – it looks quite beautiful!
I remember visiting the Asamkirche when I was in Munich. I was very impressed by it too. #TheWeeklyPostcard
very opulent interior! #farawayfiles
I was in Munich a few years ago but had no idea this place existed. Too bad. Hopefully I can make it back someday and take a quick trip to this beautiful church! #FarawayFiles
Yikes! They didnt hold back on the decorations did they? I would love to set eyes on this riot of opulence. Putting on my Germany list. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles
Such a gaudy church! I couldn’t stay in there too long but I’d love to visit. #farawayfiles
I’d quite like to attend an organ concert there, with suitably baroque music!