There is still one hidden gem among the many sights in Munich: the Catholic Herz-Jesu-Kirche (Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) in the Neuhausen district boasts the largest church doors in the world.
In a very special experience that can only be enjoyed on high feast days, the entire front of the Herz-Jesu-Kirche opens completely, like a huge, double-winged gate, allowing people to see right through to the back of the church to the oratory in the apse. When these huge doors are not open, visitors can access the church via two smaller doors set into the main entrance.
The modern architectural style of the church also includes a number of other unique features which are intended to create an air of openness to the outside, and yet also evince a sense of security. The church is cuboid in shape, with a blue, 16-metre-tall glazed front, and semi-transparent sides. Within this glass box is another separate cube made from wood. Slats on the sides of the wooden walls allow varying degrees of light to pass through depending on the position of the sun.
The church was constructed between 1997 and 2000, based on plans drawn up by Munich architectural firm Allmann Sattler Wappner and consecrated to the “Sacred Heart of Jesus” like its predecessor, which was destroyed by fire in 1994.
Also interesting: Michael Mayer, who heads up the Mayer'sche Hofkunstanstalt, a world-leading workshop for glass art, presents Munich's most spectacular church windows.
