Theatine Church, Munich

The Theatine Church of Saint Cajetan is a Rococo structure that was the first Baroque-style religious building in Munich. It was originally constructed for the Italian order of Theatines.

The Theatine church was commissioned in 1662 by the elector Ferdinand and his consort, Henriette Adelaide of Savoy, in gratitude for the birth of their long-awaited son and heir, Max Emanuel. It was designed by the Italian architect Agostino Barelli on the lines of the Sant'Andrea della Valle Church in Rome. The church is clad in yellow-orange, giving it a bright, airy Mediterranean look.

The design of the Theatine Church later influenced the architecture of many churches in Southern Germany. The original architect, Agostino Barelli, was succeeded by another Italian, Enrico Zucalli, who created a 71-meter high dome and two 70-meter high towers. The Rococo façade was designed by François de Cuvilliers and his son in 1738.

The interior stucco decorations were made by the Italian sculptor, Nicolo Petri, and the statues by Germany’s Wolfgang Leutner. The great black altar was designed by Andreas Faistenberger. The crypt of the Theatine Church holds the graves of Max Emanuel and his parents, and a small chapel within the church holds the graves of King Maximilian II and his consort.

Why You Should Visit:
Amid the multitude of churches with fascinating interiors in Munich, this one truly stands out for its white appearance.
The white marble with beautiful ornate work is very beautiful in natural light, while the exterior is famous for its yellow color and Rococo style.
Free to enter and nicely air-conditioned – a great spot for a break on a hot summer day.

Tip:
Convenient to visit before or after spending time at the nearby Residenz.