Bennokirche, Munich

Saint Benno Church in Munich's Maxvorstadt district is a notable neo-Romanesque Catholic parish church. It's situated on the western edge of Maxvorstadt and was built to accommodate the growing population of Munich in the late 19th century.

This church, dedicated to Saint Benno von Meißen, is distinctive for its neo-Romanesque architectural style, influenced by the Rhenish Romanesque and imperial cathedrals. It was constructed between 1888 and 1895 with support from the Central Association for Church Building and private donations, including contributions from the Wittelsbach royal family.

Designed by architect Leonhard Romeis, Saint Benno Church is part of a series of neo-Romanesque churches in Munich, along with Saint Anna in Lehel and Saint Maximilian in the Isarvorstadt district.

Saint Benno Church was bombed during World War II but was faithfully rebuilt between 1947 and 1953, preserving its original design, although the frescoes were lost.

The church follows the three-aisled basilica layout typical of Romanesque architecture, with a grand facade featuring twin towers and elaborate sculptures. Inside, the high altar, donated by Prince Regent Luitpold, is a ciborium altar adorned with figures of evangelists and saints.

Saint Benno Church has two towers with a total of seven bells. The Benno and Marien bells in the east tower ring on important holidays and are among Munich's deepest-toned bells. The church's clock uses the Josef and Maria bells, made in 1894, to chime the hours. On Saturdays at 3 pm, five bells in the west tower ring for five minutes to mark the upcoming Sunday.