Frauenkirche 1

As you enter the church from the main entrance, you will notice people gathering around a tile with a footprint in the middle. There is an interesting legend behind this footprint. We’ll come back to it when leaving the cathedral. Right now, we will proceed inside.
The interior of the cathedral has a three nave design and is among the largest hall churches in Bavaria. However, the numerous 22 meter high columns of the three naves make the hall appear smaller than it actually is. Beautiful eye-catching arches connect the columns. These were designed by Heinrich von Straubing.
Before the 19th century, the interior of the church was heavily decorated with flamboyant art and ornaments. These were subsequently removed as the Gothic style became the norm in cathedrals across Europe. A few of the remaining ornaments were lost in bombing raids during World War Two. Luckily, most of the artwork and removable decorations were removed and stored at safe locations before the war picked up momentum. These have since been either reinstalled or put on display at Bavarian Museums. The fine-looking choir stalls are a good example. As you walk closer, you will notice the beautiful woodwork and sculpting in detail. The stalls were created by Erasmus Grasser in the early 16th century.
Apart from historic items, the cathedral also has modern artwork such as the mosaic of Pope Pius X. This was made by artist Sepp Frank in the late 1950s. The intricate gold-lined organ is also a modern piece. It crafted and assembled during the recent renovations in 1994.
Another iconic item in the church is the tomb of the Bavarian emperor, Ludwig IV. This elaborate black marble sarcophagus is among the best preserved examples of medieval sculpture. Ludwig IV belonged to the strong Wittelsbach dynasty. Frauenkirche’s burial vaults contain the coffins of many members of the Wittelsbach family.
When you’ve looked around the church interior, proceed back to the main entrance.

Photo Frauenkirche in München - innen - 2012 by High Contrast is licensed under  CC BY 3.0