Munich - St Michael Church Sankt Michael
Sankt Michael, the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps, was built by Duke Wilhelm the Pious between 1583 and 1597 as a spiritual center of inspiration for the Counter-Reformation. It was erected in two stages. In the first stage (1583-88) the church was built and given a barrel-vaulted roof by an unknown architect (the vault being the largest in the world apart from that of St Peter's in Rome). There were grave doubts about the stability of the vaulting; but in fact it was the tower that collapsed, in 1590, destroying the choir.
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Thereupon, in a second phase of construction lasting until 1597, Friedrich Sustris built on to the undamaged nave a new choir and a transept not envisaged in the original plan. Having suffered severe damage during the Second World War the church was rebuilt in 1946-48. Further costly restoration took place between 1980 and 1983, the stucco-work being beautifully reinstated.
Things to See
Facade
With the Alte Akademie and the former Augustinian church now occupied by the Hunting and Fishing Museum, Sankt Michael forms an impressive ensemble. Its facade is a masterpiece of proportion. Divided horizontally by three bold cornices, a strong sense of unity is nevertheless preserved by the windows, doorways and niches, all of which are round-headed.
The figures on the facade proclaim the political program of the Counter-Reformation. In the ground-floor niche the Archangel Michael (a magnificent figure by Hubert Gerhard, 1588) is shown fighting evil in the world, while in the smaller niches on the upper levels are stone figures (by unknown sculptors) of the kings and dukes who spread Christianity in Bavaria.
The figures on the facade proclaim the political program of the Counter-Reformation. In the ground-floor niche the Archangel Michael (a magnificent figure by Hubert Gerhard, 1588) is shown fighting evil in the world, while in the smaller niches on the upper levels are stone figures (by unknown sculptors) of the kings and dukes who spread Christianity in Bavaria.
Interior
The aisleless nave with its high barrel-vaulted roof is of impressive spatial effect. The dominant feature is the triumphal arch at the entrance to the choir, the pattern of which is continued in the arches of the transepts, side chapels and galleries.
The furnishing of the interior with altars and figures is dictated by a rigorous program of atonement and purification. A striking feature is the tall three-story high altar, a joint work by Friedrich Sustris, Wendel Dietrich and Christoph Schwarz; the altarpiece "St Michael fighting the Devil" (1587) is by Schwarz. The four bronze reliefs by Gerhard (ca. 1595) were intended for the tomb which Duke William V planned to have erected for himself beneath the triumphal arch, but which was never executed. In the side chapels are fine pictures by Peter Candid, Hans von Aachen and Antonio Viviani, and a precious reliquary of SS Cosmas and Damian (ca. 1400, Bremem).
The furnishing of the interior with altars and figures is dictated by a rigorous program of atonement and purification. A striking feature is the tall three-story high altar, a joint work by Friedrich Sustris, Wendel Dietrich and Christoph Schwarz; the altarpiece "St Michael fighting the Devil" (1587) is by Schwarz. The four bronze reliefs by Gerhard (ca. 1595) were intended for the tomb which Duke William V planned to have erected for himself beneath the triumphal arch, but which was never executed. In the side chapels are fine pictures by Peter Candid, Hans von Aachen and Antonio Viviani, and a precious reliquary of SS Cosmas and Damian (ca. 1400, Bremem).
Royal Crypt
Buried in the Fürstengruft (Royal Crypt) underneath the choir are 41 members of the House of Wittelsbach, among them Duke Wilhelm V, the church's patron, the Elector Maximilian I and King Ludwig II.
Jesuit Crypt
Under the Kreuzkapelle is an old Jesuit crypt.
Jesuit Crypt
Under the Kreuzkapelle is an old Jesuit crypt.
