Along Munich’s bustling pedestrian spine, Neuhauser Straße, rises one of the city’s most powerful and historically significant churches: St. Michael’s Church (Michaelskirche). Monumental in scale and rich in symbolism, it is not only a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture but also a key landmark in Bavaria’s religious and political history.
General Details
St. Michael’s Church is centrally located in Munich’s Old Town and easy to combine with shopping and sightseeing.
- Address: Neuhauser Straße 6, 80333 Munich
- Denomination: Roman Catholic
- Construction: 1583–1597
- Architectural style: Renaissance
- Admission:
- Church interior: Free
- Crypt: Small entrance fee
- Nearest transport: Karlsplatz (Stachus) or Marienplatz
History: Power, Faith, and the Counter-Reformation
St. Michael’s Church was commissioned by Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria during the height of the Counter-Reformation. Its purpose was clear: to assert Catholic authority and spiritual strength during a period of intense religious conflict.
Construction began in 1583, but when part of the original structure collapsed, the design was dramatically expanded. The result was an architectural statement of ambition and confidence—a vast barrel-vaulted nave, which at the time became the largest of its kind north of the Alps, second only to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The church also became an important burial site for the Wittelsbach dynasty, Bavaria’s ruling family for centuries. Among those interred here is King Ludwig II, famed for commissioning Neuschwanstein Castle.
Severely damaged during World War II, St. Michael’s was carefully restored in the postwar years. What visitors see today reflects both historical accuracy and Munich’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
Why Visit St. Michael’s Church?
Architectural Grandeur
The immense interior space, soaring vaults, and dramatic proportions make the church unlike any other in Munich.
Art and Sculpture
Richly decorated chapels, expressive statues, and a commanding high altar reflect the theatrical spirit of the Counter-Reformation.
Bavarian Royal History
The crypt offers insight into Bavaria’s ruling dynasty and the figures who shaped the region’s history.
Old Town Contrast
Standing directly on one of Munich’s busiest shopping streets, St. Michael’s offers a striking contrast between modern city life and centuries-old tradition.
How to Get There
- U-Bahn / S-Bahn: Karlsplatz (Stachus) or Marienplatz
- On foot: Located directly on Neuhauser Straße, between Stachus and Marienplatz
The church’s façade is easy to overlook amid the shops—step inside to fully appreciate its scale and atmosphere.
Prices & Visiting
- Church interior: Free
- Crypt: Small fee
- Photography: Allowed without flash
Good to Know
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience
- Exterior details: Statues of Archangel Michael battling the devil are among Munich’s most dramatic public sculptures
- Accessibility: Main interior is accessible; crypt access may involve steps
- Nearby highlights: Frauenkirche, the Residenz, Karlsplatz (Stachus)
Final Thoughts
St. Michael’s Church is more than a place of worship—it is a statement of faith, power, and artistic ambition. Its monumental interior and layered history capture a defining moment in Bavaria’s past, while its central location places it firmly in the rhythm of modern Munich.
At VisitBavaria, we consider St. Michael’s Church an essential stop for understanding the cultural and historical forces that shaped the city—quietly monumental, deeply symbolic, and unforgettable once experienced.
