Asamkirche

The Asamkirche, officially known as the Church of Saint Johann Nepomuk, is a breathtaking jewel of late Baroque and Rococo design. Built between 1733 and 1746 by brothers Egid Quirin and Cosmas Damian Asam, it was originally intended as their private chapel. This small but vertical space is famous for its dramatic use of light and gold leaf. The interior is divided into three levels symbolizing the earth, the emperor, and the heavens. Every inch of the walls and ceiling is covered with intricate frescoes, sculptures, and gilded carvings. It remains one of the most important architectural achievements in southern Germany, hidden within a row of houses on a busy shopping street.

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Alles über Asamkirche

Was Sie erwartet

Entry to the Asamkirche is free for all visitors, though donations for the preservation of the building are welcome. The church is remarkably narrow, measuring only eight meters wide, and has just twelve rows of pews. Inside, you can view the wax figure of Saint Johann Nepomuk in a glass coffin at the high altar. The church is still an active place of worship, so visitors must remain quiet and respectful. You can typically see the entire interior from a small vestibule at the entrance, though a metal grille often separates tourists from the main nave to protect the delicate artworks. Standard visiting hours are from 9 am to 6 pm daily, though these can change during religious services.

Warum diese Tour buchen

Because the Asamkirche is an active church, it is best to avoid visiting during mass times on Wednesday and Friday evenings or Sunday mornings. Photography is generally allowed without flash, but be mindful of people praying nearby. The church is extremely compact and can feel crowded quickly, so it is not ideal for large groups or bulky luggage. There are no public restrooms inside the chapel, but many are available in the surrounding shopping centers. Beside the church stands the Asamhaus, where the brothers lived; while you cannot enter the house, the exterior facade is covered in stunning stucco work that is worth a few minutes of your time before you step into the church itself.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

The Asamkirche is located at Sendlinger Strasse 32 in the heart of the Munich city center. It is very easy to reach by public transport. The closest station is Sendlinger Tor, which is served by the U1, U2, U3, U6, U7, and U8 underground lines. From the station, it is a short three minute walk north along the pedestrian shopping street. If you are starting at Marienplatz, you can reach the church in about ten minutes by walking south through the historic district. Since the street is a pedestrian zone, taxis can drop you off at nearby intersections like Sendlinger Tor or Rindermarkt, but walking remains the most convenient way to access this hidden masterpiece.

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The best time to visit is in the morning when the sun shines through the eastern windows, illuminating the gold details and the ceiling frescoes. Arriving around 10 am often allows you to enjoy the space before the afternoon shopping crowds arrive. On Fridays, the church typically opens to visitors at 1 pm due to morning maintenance or services. If you visit in the winter, the interior lighting creates a warm, atmospheric glow that highlights the dark, dramatic tones of the lower level. Weekdays are generally quieter than Saturdays when Sendlinger Strasse becomes a major hub for local shoppers. Try to spend at least twenty minutes inside to let your eyes adjust to the intricate detail.