The Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Ghost) is a beautiful building and is one of Munich’s oldest churches. Come here to marvel at its wonderfully ornate design and take a moment of peace and quiet inside, as you admire the elaborate frescoes on the ceiling.
A chapel and a hospice once stood where we now find the Heiliggeistkirche. Look for the few features that remain from this early phase of the church’s life, such as the nave’s northern wall. These elements date back as far as the 14th century. Most of what you will see today, however, was constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The striking neo-Baroque façade was added in 1885.
Step inside to explore the building’s magnificent interior. Combining elements in the Gothic, Baroque and Rococo styles, the space offers plenty to look at. Perhaps most impressive are the ceiling frescoes, which depict the story of the hospice that once stood here. The hospice was demolished in 1806 in order to allow the Viktualienmarkt to be built. This market, near the church, is still in regular use today.
Another feature of the interior worth taking a close look at is the high altar, a vast and complex structure adorned with plenty of gold detailing. See if you can spot any signs that it is actually not completely original. In fact, it is a post-war reconstruction of the 1730 altar by Nikolaus Stuber and Antonio Matteo.
Look at the Marienaltar too, the church’s smaller altar. It includes the Hammerthaler Madonna, a wooden sculpture of Mary dating to the 15th century.
Find the Heiliggeistkirche in the heart of Munich, surrounded by other brilliant sights and attractions. The church is still in service, so if you wish to attend a mass here, check the times online or at the building itself before you go in.
Very close by is the incredible Peterskirche, or St. Peter’s Church, the oldest church in the city. Other places of interest, including the Munich Stadtmuseum and the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall, are also within easy walking distance.
