Theatine Church

Here it is! To your right stands the impressive Theatine Church, easily recognisable by its distinct ochre-yellow façade. Construction began in 1663, led by Italian architect Agostino Barelli, who also designed the magnificent Nymphenburg Palace, a few kilometres away from here. He gave the church an Italian Baroque style, characteristic of his homeland. It was completed nearly a century later with the addition of a Rococo-style façade, copper roofs, and a large dome rising 70 metres high. The church holds a special place in Munich, as it’s one of the main burial sites of the Wittelsbach dynasty. 49 members of this royal dynasty rest here. Look across the square, to your left, to see the Feldherrnhalle, or Hall of Commanders, decorated with statues of Bavarian lions, symbols of the region. This monument honours the glory of Bavaria’s military and was inspired by the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. The kings of Bavaria were great admirers of this Italian city. You’ll find several buildings around Munich echoing the architecture of Florence’s most iconic landmarks. A little touch of Italy, right here in the heart of Munich.