Munich - Theatine Church of St Cajetan Theatinerkirche

The Theatinerkirche, dedicated to St Cajetan, founder of the Theatine Order, stands just to the west of the Feldherrnhalle in Munich. A basilica in the style of the Italian High Baroque, it is one of Munich's finest churches, and together with the Frauenkirche and Peterskirche one of the city's most prominent landmarks.

The church was founded by the Elector Ferdinand Maria and his wife Henrietta Adelaide in thanksgiving for the birth of Max Emanuel, the son and heir they had long desired.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Cathedral Church of Our Lady

New Town Hall

Marien Square

Bavarian State Opera House

Asam Church

Hellabrunn Zoo

Bavarian National Museum

After its consecration the church, which also served as a Court Church, was assigned to the Theatine Order. Since 1954 it has been served by Dominicans.

The church (Latin cross plan, domed) was designed by the Italian architect Agostino Barelli, who also directed the first stage of its building (1663-69). His successor Enrico Zuccali completed the 71m/233ft-high dome, decorated the interior and built the twin towers which had not been provided for in Barelli's plan; this second building phase was completed by 1690. The facade was completed only in 1765-68, in the reign of Max III Joseph, being designed in the style of the Late Roccoco period by François Cuvilliés and his son.