This is undoubtedly the most significant building in Mittenwald, and it is the pride of the locals…read moreand one of the most popular photo opportunities among tourists in the Karwendel Alps. The Mittenwald church is mentioned for the first time in 1315. The current church building was built in 1734-49 by the Wessobrunn master builder Joseph Schmutzer and decorated with numerous, colorful frescoes by the Augsburg artist Matthäus Günther. The landmark of Mittenwald is the church tower, completed in 1746 and painted with the church patrons Petrus and Paulus (Peter and Paul). You can spot the tower from everywhere in town. In the small square at the base of the bell tower is a monument to Matthias Klotz, who brought the art of violin-making to Mittenwald in 1683. The antique organ was restored in 1999. In summer there are many organ concerts with internationally renowned artists on the sonorous Edskes organ. In the churchyard there are two altars. One is in a beautiful grotto with votives and a Madonna back-lit from above. The other commemorates fallen German soldiers from World War II...a rare display of young Nazis discretely, yet reverently remembered.

During my year stint living and loving Salzburg, Austria, this was the church I decided to attend…read moreeach Sunday for worship. Fashion and everyday dress in Europe is more formal than in the U.S. and in Salzburg, it's even more so. Being a sporadic church-goer throughout the year, it had to have been the grandeur of this place that motivated me to get up early each Sunday morning, dress my best and catch the StadtBus to church. An itinerary I miss until this day. There has been a church on this site since the 8th century, which was rebuilt in the Romanesque era. A Gothic choir replaced the Romanesque choir in 1408-50; a slender Gothic tower was added in 1468-98. The building served as a parish church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, until 1635. In 1670 the top of the church's tower had to be removed because the archbishop objected to it being higher than that of the cathedral. In 1866 it was restored in a Neo-Gothic style. The church interior received a Baroque makeover in the 18th century. The Franziskanerkirche is an especially fascinating church to visit due to its unique mixture of architectural styles: The Romanesque nave is still visible inside the church, and a 12th-century marble lion from that period is set into the pulpit steps. The tall, well-lit Gothic choir (1408-50) is supported by slender purplish columns, which reach up to an elaborate rib vault. The choir shelters nine chapels, each decorated in an elaborate Baroque style by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach in the 18th century. The easternmost chapel, behind the high altar, contains a winged marble altar of 1561 from the old cathedral. The high altar, also by Erlach, is an ornate creation of red marble and gold. The Madonna statue in the center predates the rest - it is a Late Gothic sculpture by Michael Pacher of Tyrol. Christmas Eve. It was midnight mass that was the most powerful. The church was pitch black except for the light of thousands of candles lit everywhere throughout; casting shadows that appeared to dance across the ornate and towering ceiling. The combination of the resounding pipe organ and choir was intoxicating, as if my spirit was awoken and rising out of my chest. A profound moment and connection I will never forget. O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. Merry Christmas! May the Spirit of the season bring you much love and hope throughout the new year! Peace be yours!

Franziskanerkirche is very ornate church in Salzburg with one of the most visible steeples in the…read moreold town part of the city. Massive columns support a very high arched ceiling. Angelic carvings are everywhere. There are beautiful paintings and masterpiece reliefs too. The sheer scale of European churches is mind boggling. Franziskanerkirche delivers! It's a nice 15-20 minute walk through....

This place is a beautiful find. It is sandwiched between shops in the area.. The architecture is…read moreexquisite and detailed. I lit a candle ( for a fee) and just said a prayer for late loved ones.

Beautiful church that sorta blends in with the surroundings in the outside but is absolutely…read morestunning and ornate in the inside. The visuals are amazing and you can get a sense of the splendor of when it was built.

More beautiful architecture thanks to Roman Catholic influence!…read more This is a beautiful church. We didn't climb to the top, because it cost money and wasn't part of the "free tour". We didn't stay for a service, but came in time to hear the church bells!

The church interior is spectacular and you must see the jewel decorated skeleton of St Munditia who…read morewas murdered in 310AD, the decorations were added to the remains in 1675. Also ascend the stairs to have views of the central plaza including the Glockenspiel and Rathaus, and the Frauenkirche.

I had the privilege of visiting Planett in 1967, I was born in Planegg in 1951 and traveled with my…read moreMother and sister to the United States in 1952. My father was in the Army , but learned on the visit in 1967 that my Mother and Father were Married in this church. My Grandfather Paul Lang took me to Planegg on a day trip. I remember a tree an oak tree growing within the confines of the church. It would be nice to know more about this church.

Such a historical landmark that is worth visiting. The high ceilings are amazing to view…read more Take a few minutes to soak in the atmosphere and the incredible architecture.

Stomp of the devil to help pay to build the church. The devil didn't want windows in the church so…read morepeople won't come pray. People came anyway and made the devil mad so he stomped on the church and left his imprint

It is the Catholic parish church of Oberammergau in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen District (Bavaria),…read moreis an important example of the southern German Baroque. It was built from 1735 to 1749. The sculptures were created by Franz Xaver Schmädl, the pictures and frescoes by Matthäus Günther. A pre-Romanesque predecessor church was probably built as early as the ninth century, possibly replacing an even older wooden church. At this time, the Welfe Ethiko withdrew here with twelve companions to a life in a monastic community. In 1167, the Kempten monastery was given twelve courtyards with the right to present themselves through the church. In 1295 and 1362 they became the property of the Augustinian monastery in Rottenbuch. All pastors of Oberammergau can be completely documented from 1432 to the secularization of the monastery in 1802; they all were Augustinian Canons. The Oberammergau parish was founded in the 12th century by the Rottenbuch canon monastery, with which it remained pastorally connected until secularization. The first church was replaced by a Gothic building in the High Middle Ages. This had become so dilapidated at the beginning of the 18th century that the new baroque building was tackled. The middle picture of the high altar shows the Mother of God as the heavenly helper of those who ask for intercession and contribute gifts. It is replaced by a figure of the risen Christ during Easter and the Passion Play. The statues of the apostles Peter and Paul as well as the outside of St. Joseph and Joachim with their attributes are remarkable. The Lamb of God is enthroned on the book with seven seals above the tabernacle . The two side altars on the choir arch are dedicated to the theme of redemption through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The left altar shows in a rare representation God's decision to salvation as an "inner conversation" of the Trinity. The saints Martin and Gregory the miracle worker appear at the side. The right altar shows Christ on the cross -- this cross is considered to be the one in front of which the Oberammergau residents took their vows of the Passion Play in the year of the plague in 1633 -- with Mary and John and, on the outside, the "good thief" Dismas and Mary Magdalene . The altars in the side extensions are dedicated to the holy clan (left; altarpiece by Günther) and Saint Anthony of Padua (right; picture by Johann Jakob Zeiller ). It's a very gorgeous sanctuary to say the least (photos).