Asam Church

Asamkirche is officially known as the St. Johann Nepomuk Church! Tucked away on Sendlinger Straße, this church is an absolute Baroque jewel, a tiny but incredibly ornate masterpiece created by the Asam brothers.

The Asamkirche is unique because it wasn’t commissioned by the church or royalty, but by two brothers, Cosmas Damian Asam and Egid Quirin Asam. Cosmas Damian was a painter and sculptor, and Egid Quirin was a sculptor and architect. Together, they transformed this small space into a breathtaking work of art.

Interestingly, the Asam brothers originally intended this to be their private chapel! But, due to public pressure, they were eventually forced to open it to the public.

Construction took place between 1733 and 1746, and the brothers poured their heart and soul (and a lot of money!) into every detail.

The Asamkirche is the sheer opulence. Every surface is covered in intricate carvings, gilded details, and vibrant paintings. It’s a feast for the eyes, and it’s hard to know where to look first.

The church is relatively small, which actually adds to its impact. The Asam brothers used every inch of space to create a sense of intimacy and grandeur.

Take a close look at the sculptures, the Asam brothers were masters of their craft, and their skill is evident in every figure. They’re so life-like and expressive.

Cosmas Damian Asam’s frescoes on the ceiling are absolutely stunning. They depict scenes from the life of St. John Nepomuk, the church’s patron saint, and they’re filled with light, color, and drama.

One of the unusual things about the Asamkirche is the way it uses light. The brothers carefully positioned windows and mirrors to create dramatic effects, highlighting certain areas and drawing your eye to key features.

Just remember to be respectful and quiet, as this is still an active place of worship.