Frauenkirche & The Devil's Footstep: Gothic Masterpiece

Why is it significant?

Step into the cool entrance porch of the Frauenkirche and stand directly upon the black tile marked with a single human footstep featuring a small spur on its heel: the legendary Teufelstritt, or Devil's Footstep.

Key Facts

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Step into the cool entrance porch of the Frauenkirche and stand directly upon the black tile marked with a single human footstep featuring a small spur on its heel: the legendary Teufelstritt, or Devil's Footstep. Look straight down the central nave from this exact spot: remarkably, every single side window in the cathedral is completely hidden behind rows of massive octagonal pillars.

According to medieval legend, master builder Jörg von Halsbach ran out of funds while constructing the cathedral in fourteen sixty-eight. He struck a pact with the Devil: Satan would provide the gold if the church had no windows to honor God with daylight. When the cathedral was finished, the builder led the Devil right to this spot. Seeing only blank stone pillars and a wall of light at the far end, the Devil laughed with glee, believing the hall was useless and windowless.

But when the Devil took one step forward, all the soaring stained-glass windows became visible behind the pillars! In a fury at being outsmarted, the Devil stamped his foot violently into the floor, leaving this permanent scorched imprint before flying out as a howling gust of wind that locals say still swirls outside the doors.

Glance up at the iconic onion-domed twin towers soaring ninety-nine meters above. Now walk southeast toward the Hofbräuhaus.