The Asam Church’s name formally derives from Saint John of Nepomuk. However, it is more widely known by the name of the two brothers who had it designed and built. Egid Quirin Asam and Cosmas Damian Asam conceived the church design in the early 18th century and it was built soon after. Originally, the brothers intended to use the Asamkirche as a private place of worship, seeing as they lived next door. However, after years of public pressure the Asams were forced to open the church to the wider Munich population.
In its modern form, the church sits in the centre of one of Munich’s most fashionable shopping destinations. Find the extravagant facade of this iconic building on Sendlinger Street, surrounded by boutiques and cafés. Look up as you approach to spot the statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, which is supported by columns above the church entrance. This statue is the centrepiece of a heavily decorated façade. Learn the church’s history in the adjacent Asam House, the preserved dwelling of Egid Quirin Asam.
Though small compared to other Bavarian cathedrals, this church’s glamorous interior gives it a grandiose atmosphere. Spot scenes from religious mythology in the church’s murals, sculptures and plasterwork. Cosmas Damian Asam painted many of these frescos, including a ceiling scene that depicts the church’s namesake saint.
In the traditional form of Rococo churches, Asamkirche’s interior is separated into three levels, each dedicated to the different spectrums of worship. In the lower level, darker lighting and ornamental figures represent suffering and the plight of humanity. In the mid-level, a brighter colour scheme is dedicated to the Kaiser. The illuminated top-section is reserved for the position of God. Visit the Asamkirche in the morning to watch it lit up by sun shining through the eastern windows.
The Asam Church is open daily. Get there on foot from the U-Bahn (subway) station at Sendlinger Tor.
