Frauenkirche

Frauenkirche is a cathedral in Munich. It's full name translates into Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, and it's a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to Mary.
It's iconic onion domed towers cut the skyline and are distinct among Munich's other buildings. While we were visiting, one of the towers was being restored, so it was covered in tarps and scaffolding, but the other was still visible.The inside is just as gorgeous as the outside. The church follows the typical gothic architectural style with ribbed vaults and pointed archways. At the center of the arches, where the ribs meet, are different shields and symbols. I can only assume that these shields were placed there to represent patrons of the church. The church has enough seating to seat 20,000 parishioners.

On the side aisles are various areas to light prayer candles or to have stations of the cross. The high columns and arches result in an interior that is light and airy. The walls are graced with HUGE panels of illustrated stained glass. However, at the Western entrance, the windows are not immediately visible upon entering. The walls simply look at though they are emitting light.

In this area, sunk into the marble floor, is a black footprint, complete with a spur near the heel.
According to legend, before the cathedral was consecrated, the devil visited, angry with the large building dedicated to worship. The devil was pleasantly surprised when he entered and could not see any windows, thinking a building with no windows is not very useful. He stamped the floor with glee, thinking of the builder's ignorance, and left the black footprint. He was soon disappointed when he took another step and saw the windows on every wall. Out of anger, he changed himself into a fierce wind, and has since been trying to blow the windows out. He failed in blowing out the windows, and since that time, a wind is always felt blowing around the towers.

 In addition to the beautiful glass scenery, the interior also features intricate wood carvings around the altar and a monumental tomb of the Holy Roman Emperor Ludwig (Louis) IV. According to the encyclopedia Britannica:

"Louis possessed courage and tenacity without being rigid. He won men over by a jovial and chivalrous demeanour, and his suppleness, coupled with diplomatic skill, charmed them even as a certain mercurial quality made him appear unfathomable. He was a political man, whose guiding principle remained the honor imperii. Even in his darkest hours he brooked no interference with the imperial rights. It would be unfair to judge him solely by the yardstick of success. It was Louis’ fate to repeatedly come up with inadequate resources against adversaries who were talented and powerful."