Asam Church, Munich (must see)

The official designation of this edifice, commonly referred to as the Asam Church, is the Saint Johann Nepomuk Church. Despite its relatively modest size, this religious structure is renowned for boasting the most opulent interior decor among all the religious sites in Munich.

Constructed during the years 1733 to 1746 by the siblings Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin Asam, from whom it derives its name, this church was consecrated in honor of Johann Nepomuk, a Bohemian monk esteemed as a martyr for refusing to disclose the confessions of the Queen and subsequently being drowned in the Danube on the orders of King Wenceslaus. Originally intended as a private place of worship for the Asam family, it eventually became accessible to the public.

The Asam Church stands as a superb specimen of late German Baroque architectural style. It accommodates a small family congregation with twelve rows of pews. The interiors are adorned with frescoes crafted by Cosmas Damian Asam, with a particularly lavish depiction of the drowning of Saint Nepomuk gracing the ceiling. The high altar features four intricately twisted columns and houses a glass shrine containing a wax figure of the saint. Additionally, an exquisite sculpture portraying God the Father leaning over the crucified Christ adorns the cornice. The present-day interior ornamentation is the result of meticulous restoration work carried out between 1975 and 1982.

Why You Should Visit:
Gaudy and Baroque in a very unique way you don't get to see very often. What it lacks in size, it surely makes up for in decoration: fresco, marble, stucco and acres of gilding compete for attention. Such heavy decoration may be not to everyone's taste, but is hard not to marvel at.

Tip:
As with everything, try going early in the morning to avoid crowds blocking your photos (avoid mass times).
It's best to try to visit on a sunny day, so that the gold and other bling have more of a chance to shine.