Commissioned by the Duke of Bavaria, William V, St. Michael’s Church (Michaelskirche) was constructed in the late 16th century. This Jesuit church was designed in the Renaissance style and was a bold symbol of the strength of Catholicism during a tumultuous time within Christianity. Today, Michaelskirche is one of the most important Renaissance churches north of the Alps. An elegant triangular frontispiece crowns this beautiful building. Be sure to look for the statue of St. Michael the Archangel in battle, which is located in an alcove on the lower level of the façade.
Once inside Michaelskirche, visit the High Altar to see another image of St. Michael. The interior of the church is decorated with a series of stations depicting the life of Jesus, the highlight of which is the interpretation of Jesus as a child on the inner wall. Sit in the pews and gaze up at the second-largest freestanding ceiling in the world. The atmosphere inside the church is bright and airy, due to the remarkable high vaulted ceiling and the numerous large windows that allow sunlight to stream in.
Michaelskirche is also home to the royal crypt, which contains the tombs of members of the regal Wittelsbach family. The crypt contains 40 members of the Wittelsbach dynasty, including “Mad” Kind Ludwig II and King Otto of Bavaria.
Music is an integral component of spiritual life at Michaelskirche. Over the years, musicians such as Joseph Gabriel Rheinberger, Caspar Ett and Orlande de Lassus have graced the church with their compositions. Try to attend one of the regular performances put on by the church’s acclaimed choir and orchestra.
Michaelskirche is open daily. The church is just a short walk from the nearby the U-Bahn (subway) stop Karlsplatz.
