St. Michaelskirich, completed near the end of the 16th Century, is a former Jesuit church constructed in the Renaissance style, and a particularly notable piece of architecture thought to have influenced the German baroque style. It’s most notable feature is it’s vast vaulted roof, second in size only to St. Peters and elaborate gold plated high alter, reaching to the arching ceiling.

Michaelskirche has a flat fronted façade the artistic centerpiece of which is a bronze statue of the Archangel Michael fighting a dragon. After suffering war damage like so many of the great Bavarian churches in both World Wars it has been fully restored.

Members of the Bavarian royal family are buried in the crypt, including Duke Wilhelm who was responsible for the churches construction and King Ludwig II, called ‘Mad King Ludwig’ who died suddenly in a nearby lake over one hundred years ago but still receives regular floral tributes on his sarcophagus.

The interior is far grander and more decorative than the exterior, which is still worth examining for it’s statues of the Hapsburg rulers. The church is open all day but the crypt closes early on weekdays and is definitely worth visiting, so plan a morning expedition.

Written by  Kynan Wieltz.

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