Asamkirche Munich, also officially known as the Church of Saint Johann Nepomuk, is one of the most important religious Baroque buildings in Southern Germany.
Asamkirche (Asam’s Church) was build between 1733-1746 by the Asam brothers (Cosmas Damian Asam and Egid Quirin Asam), which has given the building its unofficial name.
The church is widely considered a rare gem among the late baroque architecture structures in the whole of Germany and especially in Munich, making it a popular local tourist attraction.
Originally the church was intended to be used as a private chapel for the Asam families, which is why it was made without a church mandate, giving the brothers free hands to realize their architectural ambitions, as showcased on the uniqueness of the building.
Photo: Asamkirche in Munich, at Sendlinger Strasse 62, has one of the most beautiful church facades in Munich, done in the style of the late baroque era architecture.
Photo: Picture of the church entrance portal, decorated with magnificent columns and a statue, above the entrance gate, of a praying Saint Johann Nepomuk.
Photo: A heart shaped memorial placate, surrounded by angel statues, on the upper part of the Asamkirche facade, with a text in Latin, stating: “Fides Spes Charitas In Ioanne Unitas” or “Faith Hope Charity in Holy Unity”.
Because the building was build as a private church, there are several departures you would expect from a baroque church from the same period, including the church’s orientation to the West.
Also, the crucifix on the sermon pulpit is placed too low, as the baroque church crucifixes are usually located so that the person holding the sermon must also look up to Jesus.
Even though Asamkirche was supposed to be private church, after several public protests in Munich, the brothers opened the church’s doors to outsiders as well.
Because the church was build on a central location within an urban area, with constricted space, its size is very compact, only 22m x 8m, on two floors.
In addition to its magnificent facade, the church is considered very well done for the interiors as well, including having an indirect lighting for the choir, being exceptionally well designed.
The interiors have been divided, in terms of lighting, to three parts, so that the lowest part is relatively dark, symbolizing the world’s suffering.
The second floor has a more lighter theme, with white and blue color themes, symbolizing the ruler.
The topmost floor, meanwhile, uses indirect light sources, symbolizing God and eternity.
Asam’s Church
Sendlinger Str. 32
80331 Munich, Germany
Another highlight is the church wall’s fresco painting by Cosmas Damian Asam, a representation of the life of Saint Johann Nepomuk.