Frauenkirche, Munich
The Frauenkirche (Full name: German: Dom zu Unserer Lieben Frau, Bavarian: Dom zu Unsra Liabm Frau, lit. 'Cathedral of Our Dear Lady') is a church in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, that serves as the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising and seat of its Archbishop. It is a landmark and is considered a symbol of the Bavarian capital city. Although called "Münchner Dom" (Munich Cathedral) on its website and URL, the church is referred to as "Frauenkirche" by locals. It is the biggest hall church in the world.[1]
Frauenkirche
Germany
1494
Active
Gothic
Renaissance (domes)
preced. 12th century
actual 1468–1488
1524 (domes added)
109 metres (358 ft)
40 metres (130 ft)
Msgr. Klaus Peter Franzl
Lucia Hilz
(Domkapellmeisterin)
Ruben Sturm
Martin Welzel (Assistant Organist, 2013–2021, and Associate Organist, 2021–2022)
Msgr. Hans Leitner (2003–2021)
Because of local height limits, the church towers are widely visible. As a result of the narrow outcome of a local plebiscite, city administration prohibits buildings with a height exceeding 99 m in the city center. Since November 2004, this prohibition has been provisionally extended outward, and consequently, no buildings may be built in the city over the aforementioned height. The south tower, which is normally open to those wishing to climb the stairs, will offer a unique view of Munich and the nearby Alps after its current renovation is completed.[2]
The crypt contains the tombs of the Archbishops of Munich and Freising and among others of these members of the Wittelsbach dynasty:
Organs[edit]
The current organs were built in 1993–1994 by Georg Jann. The Great Organ (1994)[11] on the west gallery has 95 stops (140 ranks, 7,165 pipes), which can be played from two four-manual general consoles (a tracker console behind the Rückpositiv division, and a second movable electric console on the lower choir gallery). The Choir Organ (1993)[12] is located on a gallery in the right nave, near the altar stairs. It has 36 stops (53 ranks) and can be played from a three-manual tracker console, as well as from the two main consoles on the west gallery. Both organs together contain 131 stops (193 ranks, 9,833 pipes) and are the largest organ ensemble in Munich.[13]