The neo-baroque Catholic Church of St. Joseph is also a popular meeting place for locals of the Maxvorstadt and Schwabing districts. Inside, not only a barrel vaulted house of prayer awaits you, but also a curious surprise.
Those who stroll along the Augustenstrasse in northern direction will already see the 63 metres high spire of the St. Joseph church from a distance. It is located at the end of the street and is therefore in the northern part of Maxvorstadt district on the border to Schwabing.
At the end of the 19th century, when the town had expanded considerably in a north-western direction, the priest of the neighbouring parish of St. Ludwig suggested the construction of another church. This was approved in 1897 and the church was completed in 1902. The architect Hans Schurr, who was commissioned with the project, took up the Baroque tradition and drew up the plans for the impressive church, which it remains after the destruction of the Second World War due to reconstruction: a hall church with barrel vaulting and load-bearing side pillars in the Neo-Baroque style.
Curious: There is an old wooden cigarette machine in the church named Stummer Joseph (Silent Joseph). It once used to satisfy the need for addiction in a Lower Bavarian pub, now he satisfies the desire for closeness with the help of his own cigarette brand Lord Extra (which of course isn't one): to God, to others, to himself. Whether these are written impulses, sayings or nice cards from the community, curious people can find out by paying two euros per "pack".
After the visit of the church the Josephsplatz invites you to stay. There are benches all around, providing plenty of sunbathing areas and there is also a playground for children. By the way, on Tuesdays there is a great farmers' market here – this might be interesting for everyone who wants to buy a culinary souvenir away from the old town and mingle with the locals.
