The Story:

Munich or “home of the monks” is Germany’s third-largest city and one of its most appealing. This region is rich in shrines and churches and many are architectural masterpieces. Munich is a center of art, music, business, and its annual beer festival, Oktoberfest. Bavaria has always been a religious community and continues to be primarily Roman Catholic. The 11th century produced three princes who became popes: Clement II, Damasus II and Victor II. Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) has two onion-domed steeples. The cathedral houses its architect, Jorg von Polling, as well as several early rulers of Bavaria. Asamkirche is also known as Church of Saint Johannus Nepomuk but is actually named for its builders – brothers named Cosmas and Egid Asam. It is a small church that is attached to Asam’s house which houses in a glass case the skeleton of the saint that it was named for, a 14th century Bohemian monk. Andechs, is a hilltop Benedictine monastery and one of the most popular shrines in Bavaria. It houses religious relics brought from the Holy Land 1000 years ago.

Oberammergau is famous for the Passion play. Alotting is located 45 miles east of Munich wherein the Chapel of Mercy houses a 13th century statue of the Blessed Virgin. This statue is credited with many miraculous cures. It also houses several silver urns containing the hearts of several monarchs of the Kingdom of Bavaria.

Location: Germany. Munich is easily accessible by car, train, air; accommodations and restaurants are varied and plentiful.