St. Kajetan's Theatre, displayed in the background
The Theatiner Church (St. Kajetan): A Munich Landmark
Over four centuries old, the Hof- and Klosterkirche St. Kajetan in Munich's old town stands tall, a testament to Baroque architecture. Its construction began in 1663, under the guidance of Italian architect Agostino Barelli, and was consecrated in 1675, still in its unfinished state. The church's facade was completed in the Rococo style by Cuvilliés the Younger in 1768.
Nestled on the west side of Odeonsplatz, next to the Feldherrnhalle and opposite the Residenz, the Theatiner Church is easily accessible. The church’s original dedicatee was Saint Kajetan, but it was more popularly referred to as Theatinerkirche by locals because of the Theatiner priests who served there from 1675 to 1801.
Notable features of the church include the magnificent exterior facade, the Wittelsbach princes' crypt, the 70-meter high dome, and the nearby Theatinerhof currently under renovation. Since 1954, the Dominicans of the St. Albert province have been caring for the church.
Odeonsplatz, home to the Theatiner Church, is steeped in history and significance. The Feldherrnhalle, modeled after a Florentine monument, features bronze statues commemorating Bavarian military leaders, including several from major conflicts like the Thirty Years’ War and the Napoleonic era. This monument also marks the site of Adolf Hitler’s failed coup attempt in 1923, resulting in casualties on both sides. Today, the location is absent of public markers acknowledging this past, blending quietly into the commercial area around Odeonsplatz.
Adjacent to Odeonsplatz lies the peaceful Hofgarten, a historic garden space that enhances the architectural and cultural heritage of the area. Nearby, the Residenz Royal Palace, Munich’s former royal residence, stands as another important historic site tied to the Wittelsbach dynasty.
Together, these sites make Odeonsplatz more than just a focal point of Baroque architecture and military commemoration; it is a vivid stage for critical episodes in Munich's and Germany’s history.
The Theatiner Church, with its distinctive home-and-garden setting within the historic Hofgarten, offers a unique blend of Baroque architecture and peaceful garden lifestyle. After undergoing renovation, the nearby Theatinerhof is expected to complement this ensemble, further enhancing the home-and-garden lifestyle ambiance in the area.
