Frauenkirche, Munich’s Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, is a late Gothic brick church on Frauenplatz in the Old Town. Its twin towers, capped by distinctive domes, shape the city skyline. Inside, look for the Devil’s Footprint near the entrance, the stained glass and the tomb of Holy Roman Emperor Ludwig IV. The spacious interior is relatively restrained, with Gothic details and small chapels. You can also visit the south tower for views across central Munich; part of the ascent is by stairs and the rest by lift.
A late Gothic cathedral in the Old Town
Frauenkirche is officially called Dom zu Unserer Lieben Frau, or Cathedral of Our Dear Lady. It is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, and stands on Frauenplatz in Munich’s Old Town.
Construction began in 1468 under master builder Jörg von Halsbach. The main church was completed in 1488, and its distinctive domes were added to the towers in 1525. The red-brick building is large and imposing, but its interior is comparatively simple, with a spacious nave and small chapels rather than extensive stucco decoration.
What to look for inside
The stained glass is one of the interior’s key details. Medieval windows survive in the chancel, including a 1490 work by Peter Hemmel that depicts three scenes from the life of Mary. The windows bring colour to a church whose design otherwise keeps ornament relatively restrained.
Near the entrance, look for the dark footprint in the floor known as the Devil’s Footprint. One version of the legend tells of the devil helping Halsbach build the church in exchange for the architect’s soul. After the work was complete, the builder led him to a spot where no windows could be seen, and the devil believed the church had none. The story has several versions; the mark is the feature visitors come to find.
The cathedral also contains the tomb of Holy Roman Emperor Ludwig IV, known as Ludwig the Bavarian, who died in 1347. Other historic monuments and church treasures are found inside.
Going up the south tower
The south tower has a viewing platform reached by a combination of stairs and lift. Accounts describe 88 or 89 steps on the spiral staircase before the lift continues upward, so expect some stair climbing rather than a fully step-free ascent. From the platform, views take in central Munich, including Marienplatz and the New Town Hall. On especially clear days, the Alps may be visible.
The tower requires a separate ticket, while church entry is free. If the view is a priority, arrange the tower ticket online in advance.
The towers and Munich’s skyline
The two towers rise to around 100 metres and are capped by domes that differ from the pointed spires often associated with Gothic churches. They remain a defining sight above the Old Town rooftops. A city height limit helps preserve their place in Munich’s skyline: buildings in the centre are not permitted to rise above the Frauenkirche towers.
Häufige Fragen
Is entry to Frauenkirche free?
Yes. Entry to the church is free. You need a separate ticket to go up the south tower.
How long do you need at Frauenkirche?
Allow around 30 to 60 minutes to see the church and, if you choose, visit the south tower.
Can you climb a tower at Frauenkirche?
Yes. The south tower has a viewing platform reached by stairs and a lift. A separate ticket is required.
What is the Devil’s Footprint?
It is a dark footprint-shaped mark near the entrance, linked to a local legend about the devil and the church’s builder.
What can you see inside Frauenkirche?
Look for medieval stained glass, small chapels, historic monuments and the tomb of Holy Roman Emperor Ludwig IV.
