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Church · Munique, Baviera
St. Michael
Renaissance Jesuit church on the pedestrian street, with a large barrel vault and the crypt where the tomb of King Ludwig II is located.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About St. Michael
St. Michael was built between 1583 and 1597 by Duke Guilherme V for the Jesuit order, as a symbol of the Counter-Reformation. It is the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps and is located on Neuhauser Straße, the pedestrian street between Marienplatz and the Karlstor.
The façade bears statues of dukes and emperors and, at the center, the bronze figure of Saint Michael defeating the demon. Inside, the single nave is covered by a barrel vault spanning about 20 meters, one of the largest of its kind after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Members of the Wittelsbach family are buried in the crypt, including King Ludwig II, who commissioned Neuschwanstein and died in 1886. The tomb often receives flowers from visitors. The church was also hit during the bombings and rebuilt after the war.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour including the crypt.
Best time
During the day, outside mass times. The crypt has its own opening hours and may be closed on some days; check on site.
How to get there
It is on Neuhauser Straße, about 400 meters from Marienplatz, on the way to Karlsplatz (Stachus). Marienplatz and Karlsplatz stations (U-Bahn and S-Bahn).
Tip
The visit pairs well with the walk between the Hauptbahnhof and Marienplatz. Keep quiet in the crypt, which is a burial place.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about St. Michael
Where is King Ludwig II buried?
In the crypt of the church of St. Michael, on the pedestrian street in central Munique.
Is there an entrance fee for the church?
Entrance to the church is free. The crypt usually has a small fee and its own opening hours; check locally.
What's special about the church of St. Michael?
It is the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps, with a barrel vault spanning about 20 meters.