Asamkirche, Munich

Attraction, Church and Religious Building in Munich

Asamkirche
Asamkirche
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Futterjäger

Tucked into Munich's lively Sendlinger Straße shopping promenade, the Asamkirche (officially St. Johann Nepomuk) is one of those places that looks modest from the outside—until you step in and your eyes don't know where to land first. It's a compact church, but the late Baroque and Rococo interior is so richly layered with stucco, gilding, sculpture, and ceiling painting that it feels like a miniature theater of devotion.

Because it sits right in the historic center, Asamkirche is easy to fold into a walking tour: pair it with Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and the surrounding Old Town lanes, or use it as a quick, high-impact stop between shopping and cafés. If you're choosing “best places to see” in Munich for maximum wow-per-minute, this church earns a top spot.

History and Significance of the Asamkirche

Asamkirche was built in the 18th century by the Asam brothers—Egid Quirin Asam (sculptor/architect) and Cosmas Damian Asam (painter)—as a private church closely connected to their home and artistic ambitions. Unlike many grand churches commissioned by rulers or religious orders, this one reflects a more personal, highly curated vision, which helps explain its intense, almost immersive decoration.

The church is dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk, a saint associated with confession and discretion—fitting for a space designed to guide visitors from the darker, more earthly lower zone toward a brighter, heavenward visual crescendo. Even if you’re not especially interested in religious history, the building is a standout example of southern German late Baroque moving toward Rococo exuberance.

Today, Asamkirche remains an active place of worship, which shapes the visiting experience: it's not a museum, and access may be limited during services. That living, local role is part of what makes a visit feel grounded rather than purely touristic.

Things to See and Do in the Asamkirche

Start by letting your eyes adjust and then look upward—this is a church that rewards vertical sightseeing. The ceiling frescoes, layered stucco work, and dramatic sculptural elements are designed to pull your gaze from the darker nave toward brighter, more radiant upper areas, creating a deliberate emotional arc.

Spend time at the high altar area and along the side details: the craftsmanship is dense, and the church’s small footprint means you can study fine elements up close without needing a long walk. If you enjoy art and architecture, it’s the kind of interior where you’ll notice something new on a second slow lap.

If you can, consider timing your visit around a concert (when available). The combination of music, acoustics, and the ornate interior can turn a short stop into one of the most memorable experiences in central Munich.

How to Get to the Asamkirche

Munich is served primarily by Munich Airport (MUC), with additional options via nearby regional airports depending on your route. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Munich on Booking.com.

From the airport, trains and S-Bahn connections make it straightforward to reach the city center and then continue on foot or by U-Bahn to the Old Town area. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re traveling by car, aim for a central parking garage outside the pedestrian-heavy core and finish the last stretch on foot, since Sendlinger Straße is in a busy central zone with limited direct access. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Asamkirche

  • Entrance fee: Free; donations appreciated.
  • Opening hours: Monday: 08:00–17:30. Tuesday: 08:00–17:30. Wednesday: 08:00–17:30. Thursday: 08:00–17:30. Friday: 08:00–17:30. Saturday: 12:00–17:30. Sunday: 08:00–17:30.
  • Best time to visit: Go earlier in the day for a calmer atmosphere and better chances of getting a clear view inside before peak crowds build.
  • How long to spend: Plan for 15–30 minutes for a satisfying visit; add more time if you love photographing details or want to sit quietly.
  • Accessibility: The church is compact with a narrow feel at busy times; step-free access can be limited by the historic layout, so check conditions on arrival if you use a wheelchair or stroller.
  • Facilities: Expect minimal on-site facilities; plan restrooms, snacks, and longer breaks at nearby cafés along Sendlinger Straße or around Marienplatz.

Where to Stay Close to the Asamkirche

Base yourself in Munich's Old Town (Altstadt) for the easiest walking access to Asamkirche, Marienplatz, and many of the city's headline sights.

For a classic, central stay with a sense of occasion, consider a landmark property near the main squares—great for travelers who want to step outside and be immediately in the heart of Munich. For a quieter night's sleep while staying walkable, look for hotels on the edges of the center or near major transit nodes that still keep you close to the pedestrian zone.

Hotel Bayerischer Hof Chosen for its iconic Munich pedigree, polished service, and prime central location for walking to Old Town sights.

Hotel Torbräu Included for its Old Town convenience and cozy, traditional Munich feel—great for travelers who want charm without being far from everything.

Platzl Hotel A strong pick for atmosphere and location near Marienplatz, with a distinctly Bavarian style that suits a city-break itinerary.

Louis Hotel Chosen for its stylish design and unbeatable base by Viktualienmarkt—ideal if you like food markets and walkable sightseeing.

Sofitel Munich Bayerpost Included for travelers who want seamless transport connections near Munich Central Station while still being a quick ride or walk to the center.

Is the Asamkirche Worth Visiting?

Yes—Asamkirche is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want a high-impact Munich sight that doesn't require a big time commitment. The interior is genuinely astonishing for its size, and it's one of the easiest “wow” moments to add to an Old Town stroll.

Honest Pivot: If you’re not interested in churches, dislike crowded small spaces, or you’re visiting at a time when access is restricted (for services or crowd control), you may prefer to admire the façade briefly and prioritize larger, more open attractions nearby.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (6,064)

Google reviewers rate Asamkirche extremely highly, praising it as a breathtaking late Baroque/Rococo masterpiece with astonishing craftsmanship and details despite its small size. Visitors commonly highlight the richly decorated interior, the sense of awe on stepping inside, and the memorable acoustics during concerts. The most frequent downsides are crowding in the tight space and occasional limited access or viewing restrictions outside of mass times.

Girish Venugopal
3 months ago
"The Asamkirche in Munich, officially known as St. Joha Nepomuk, is an absolute masterpiece of late Baroque and Rococo architecture, and a trulyawe-inspiring experience for anyone who steps inside. Built by the Asam brothers (Egim Quirin Asam and Cosmas Damian Asam) as their private church and residence, it's a testament to their artistic genius and vision.n​What makes it so captivating is the sheer density and exuberance of its decoration. Every inch is adorned with frescoes, stucco, sculpture, and gilding, creating a stu ing visual symphony. The way the light filters in, illuminating the intricate details, is breathtaking. You'll find yourself constantly discovering new elements and perspectives. One minor point for some might be that the intensity of the decoration could feel overwhelming if you prefer more minimalist aesthetics, but for lovers of Baroque art, it's a dream come true. It's also often quite crowded, given its popularity, so be prepared for that. Overall, the Asamkirche is more than just a church; it's a complete work of art and a truly unforgettable highlight of any visit to Munich. It's a powerful expression of faith and artistic passion, and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself...."
A. K.
a month ago
"We visited this church in February 2025 with my friend. We had the chance to go inside and even sit for a few minutes to take a closer look. Thechurch was smaller than I expected, but the craftsmanship was incredible, the architecture had so many details that you could notice something new at every glance. It was truly impressive. I highly recommend visiting it in person if you get the chance. It’s also conveniently located and easy to find...."
Osman “Ozzie” G.
2 months ago
"I purchased tickets for a Spanish guitar and Bach concert at Asamkirche for our group in advanced, and it was an incredible experience. The acousticswere amazing, and we truly enjoyed both the music and the beauty of the church. The interior is stu ing with incredible details; definitely a must-see in Munich. I only wish they had dimmed the lights a bit during the concert to create a more concert-like atmosphere...."

For Different Travelers

Asamkirche works well as a flexible stop: it can be a quick look on a packed itinerary or a slower, detail-focused visit for art lovers. Because it's central, it's also easy to combine with food, shopping, and other Old Town highlights.

Families with Kids

For families, the main advantage is the short visit time—you can pop in, look up, and be back outside before attention spans run out. The dramatic gold, sculptures, and ceiling art can be surprisingly engaging for kids who like “spot the angels” style details.

If you’re visiting with a stroller, be prepared for tight space and potential bottlenecks near the entrance. Pair it with a nearby open-air break (like a square or market) so kids can reset after the quieter indoor setting.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples often love Asamkirche for its intimate scale and theatrical beauty—an easy, memorable stop between cafés, shopping, and evening plans. It's especially appealing if you enjoy art, architecture, or simply want a serene moment together in the middle of the city.

If you can align your visit with a concert, it can feel like a special “Munich-only” date night. Even without an event, the surrounding Old Town streets make it easy to continue with a scenic walk.

Budget Travelers

Asamkirche is a standout budget-friendly attraction because it's typically free to enter and doesn't require a long detour. It's also located on a route you're likely to walk anyway if you're exploring central Munich.

To keep costs low, build a self-guided walking loop: Asamkirche, Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and the river area can all be done on foot. Save paid museums for rainy hours and use churches and public spaces for your “free highlights.”

FAQs for Visiting Asamkirche

Getting There

The closest major stops are in the central Old Town area, with Sendlinger Tor and Marienplatz both within an easy walk. From either, follow signs toward Sendlinger Straße and the pedestrian zone.
Yes, it’s a straightforward walk through the Old Town streets. It’s an ideal add-on while exploring central Munich without needing extra transit.
Not really—this is a busy central zone with pedestrian-heavy streets. If you arrive by car, park in a garage and walk the last stretch.

Tickets & Entry

Entry is generally free, since it’s an active church rather than a ticketed museum. Donations are commonly welcomed.
Yes, concerts and special events typically require separate tickets. If you’re interested, plan ahead so you can match dates and seating.
Yes, access can be limited during services or when crowd control is needed. If you find it closed, try again later the same day.

Visiting Experience

Yes, it’s notably compact, which is part of its charm. The payoff is that the decoration feels close-up and immersive.
It can get busy, especially midday and in peak travel seasons. Visiting earlier often improves your chances of a calmer look inside.
Often, yes—when it’s not packed. Be mindful that it’s a place of worship and keep voices low.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many Old Town walking tours pass nearby or include it as a quick stop because it’s central and visually striking. It’s also easy to add to a self-guided route.
Combine it with Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt for a compact half-day in the historic center. Add a riverside walk if you want to extend the route.
No, it’s impressive on sight alone. A guide (or a good audio guide) helps you understand the symbolism and the Asam brothers’ design intent.

Photography

Photography is often allowed, but be respectful of worshippers and posted rules. Avoid blocking walkways in the narrow interior.
It’s best to avoid flash to protect artworks and maintain a respectful atmosphere. Use available light and steady your phone or camera.
Look for upward shots that capture the ceiling and layered stucco, and step back to frame the altar area. If it’s crowded, wait for brief gaps rather than forcing a shot.

Accessibility & Facilities

Accessibility can be challenging in historic churches, and conditions may vary. If step-free access is essential, check on arrival and be prepared for tight interior space.
Typically, churches don’t offer visitor restrooms. Plan to use nearby cafés, public facilities, or your hotel.
Yes, pews provide places to sit. During busy times, seating may be limited or reserved for worship.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes—Sendlinger Straße and the surrounding Old Town streets have plenty of cafés and bakeries. It’s easy to pair your visit with a coffee stop.
Yes, it’s one of the best nearby places for a casual snack or lunch. It also adds an outdoor, lively contrast to the church interior.
No—treat it like a sacred space and keep food and drinks outside. Plan your break before or after.

Safety & Timing

Central Munich is generally safe and well-trafficked. As in any busy area, keep an eye on your belongings in crowds.
Earlier in the morning is often the calmest. Midday and weekends tend to be busier.
If a service is in progress, either return later or enter quietly only if visitors are permitted. Respect any signs asking tourists to wait.

Nearby Attractions to the Asamkirche

  • Marienplatz: Munich's central square with iconic architecture and constant city energy.
  • Viktualienmarkt: A beloved food market for snacks, produce, and quick local bites.
  • Sendlinger Tor: A historic gateway area and handy transit hub for exploring beyond the Old Town.
  • St. Peter's Church (Alter Peter): A major Old Town church with a famous tower viewpoint.
  • Frauenkirche: Munich's signature cathedral with distinctive twin towers and a central location.

The Asamkirche appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Munich!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday: 08:00-17:30.

Tuesday: 08:00-17:30.

Wednesday: 08:00-17:30.

Thursday: 08:00-17:30.

Friday: 08:00-17:30.

Saturday: 12:00-17:30.

Sunday: 08:00-17:30.

Price:

Free; donations appreciated.

Address: Sendlinger Str. 32, 80331 München, Germany
Munich: 1 km
Telephone: +49 89 23687989

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