Ludwigskirche, Munich

The Ludwigskirche stands as a Catholic parish and university church nestled on Ludwig Strasse in the city of Munich. Notably, it is renowned for its grand altar fresco, which ranks as the world's second largest of its kind.

King Ludwig I of Bavaria initiated the construction of the Ludwigskirche as part of his broader urban development plans for Munich. The architectural vision for the church was brought to life by Friedrich von Gärtner, who imbued it with a Neo Romanesque style. Construction of the church spanned from 1829 to 1844. The ravages of World War II inflicted severe damage upon its exterior, prompting a meticulous restoration and rebuilding effort that culminated in 1952.

The white stucco facade of the Ludwigskirche was meticulously designed to harmonize with the Theatine Church, located diagonally across from it. The church's exterior features two steeples, each housing six bells. The rounded arches, executed in the Rundbogenstil style, exerted an influence on architectural designs not only in Germany but also in areas where German-speaking communities settled in the Americas. Within the church, the most prominent highlight is the monumental fresco of the Last Judgement, created by Peter Cornelius and adorning the high altar. This awe-inspiring artwork stands at an impressive height of 62 feet and spans a width of 38 feet. Additionally, Cornelius contributed to the creation of three other sizable frescoes inside the church, namely 'the Creator,' 'Nativity,' and the 'Crucifixion.'