In the year 1468, architect Jorg von Halspach was in search of financial support to erect a grand cathedral in Munich. Unexpectedly, he entered into a pact with the Devil himself. The Devil agreed to fund the ambitious endeavor, but only if the cathedral was designed as a homage to darkness and devoid of any windows to let in light.
Once the cathedral was finished, von Halspach led the Devil into the building to prove that he had honored their agreement. Although light was present, no windows seemed to be in sight, and the Devil was initially appeased. However, as the Devil took another step forward, the columns that had cleverly hidden the windows revealed themselves. The Devil, feeling duped, furiously stomped his foot, leaving a permanent black footprint on the floor.
Today, the large black footprint remains and is proudly exhibited by the Frauenkirche staff and eager tour guides. However, the legend is one of dispute.
For one, a massive window located at the end of the church is not obscured by any columns. The window was concealed behind a large altar between 1620 and 1858, which may have been when the tale originated.
Furthermore, the distinctive footprint is set into a tile that does not match the rest of the floor. The church has undergone several restorations throughout the years, with some work finishing as recently as 1994.
The details of its origin and first appearance remain a mystery today.
Despite this, the legend of the Devil’s Footstep continues to captivate visitors and locals alike, offering a thrilling tale woven into the very fabric of the Frauenkirche!
