Interesting facts about 'St. Assam' in Europe

Oct30,2024

The church was constructed between 1733 and 1746 by sculptor Egid Quirin Asam and painter Cosmas Damian Asam, who designed it as a private place of worship, a rare privilege at the time.

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Built by the Asam Brothers

Initially intended to be a private chapel, the Asam brothers were eventually persuaded to open it to the public after local protests, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty.

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Unique Private Church Concept

Asamkirche’s architectural style is a combination of Baroque and Rococo, filled with ornate details, gilded sculptures, and vivid frescoes typical of these styles, contributing to its grandeur.

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Baroque and Rococo Fusion

Despite its compact size, the interior is lavishly decorated with twisted columns, elaborate altarpieces, and intense ceiling frescoes that depict scenes of salvation and redemption.

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Small But Lavish

The high altar includes a “Gnadenstuhl” or “Mercy Seat” with a depiction of God the Father holding the dead Christ, a powerful symbol of mercy and grace.

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Altarpiece and Gnadenstuhl

Egid Quirin Asam installed a window in his own adjacent home, providing him a direct view of the altar, a feature symbolizing the unity of the sacred and personal.

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Window of Connection

The church has seven confessionals decorated with allegorical scenes, emphasizing its role as a place for personal reflection and forgiveness.

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Seven Confessionals

Four columns at the high altar are a nod to Bernini’s columns over St. Peter’s tomb in Rome, linking the church symbolically with this sacred site.

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Symbolism of Columns