St. Michael's Church, Munich

St. Michael's Church is a Renaissance structure in the old town district, standing as the largest building of its kind north of the Alps with a barrel vault interior. The space features soaring arches supported by columns that create an open feeling throughout the nave.

Duke Wilhelm V commissioned the building between 1583 and 1597 as a statement of Catholic renewal in Bavaria. The construction followed architectural traditions from the Vorarlberg region and became a defining monument of religious reform during that period.

The church displays artworks and statues that reflect its role as a symbol of Catholic renewal in Bavaria. Inside, bronze figures honor members of the Bavarian royal family, and an Annunciation altarpiece by Peter Candid represents the religious vision of those who built it.

The church sits on Neuhauser Street in the old town center, halfway between Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, making it easy to reach by foot. You can visit during worship services or outside those times to see the interior without interruption.

A royal crypt lies beneath the church floor, holding the remains of important members of the Bavarian royal family. Among them rests King Ludwig II, known for building Neuschwanstein Castle and commissioning other grand palaces.

Location: Altstadt-Lehel

Location: Munich

Inception: 1583

Architects: Friedrich Sustris, Wendel Dietterlin

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

Length: 78.2 m

Width: 20.29 m

Address: Neuhauser Straße 6, 80333 München

Website: https://st-michael-muenchen.de

GPS coordinates: 48.13884,11.57038

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:48