Photos

Munich's Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) is probably Munich's most recognizable building, and for good reason. After it's restoration from WWII bombings, the Munich leaders maintained an edict that no building would be higher than 100 meters. The Frauenkirche is 99 meters high, 109 meters long and 40 meters wide. Capable of handling 20,000 people.

The Kirche was designed by Jorg von Halsbach and was completed in 1488, except for the famous domes. The domes were built in 1525 similar to the design of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

Inside is the very high vaulted ceiling with an impressive giant wood crucifix of Jesus above the alter. There is an extensive collection of 14th to 18th century artwork. My favorites are the gigantic stained glass windows.

Just inside the Kirche's entrance is the "Teufelstritt" (Devil's Footstep), a footprint with a small hooked tail on the heel, where the devil stood when he curiously ridiculed the new church. He thought he had made a deal with the builder that no windows were to be built in the church. But the devil had been tricked by the clever builder by setting the columns blocking the view of the windows from the entrance. When the devil found out he was tricked, the church was already consecrated so he could not enter, and he left his footprint where he angrily stomped his foot.