The Basilica of St Lorenz is a landmark of Kempten and towers over the city. It is considered to be the first large church building in southern Germany after the end of the Thirty Years' War and is now Kempten's Catholic parish church. The imposing staircase invites visitors to take a tour, because apart from the double tower facade visible from the outside, the magnificent interior is particularly worth seeing.
There has been a monastery in Kempten since 752, the first in the entire Allgäu, which was probably moved to the present site of the Residence Kempten after 955. There is evidence of a first church from the eighth century and the three-nave late Gothic parish church "St. Lorenz uffm Berg" on the hill of the Basilica of St Lorenz as predecessor buildings. During Kempten's time as a twin city, there were repeated disputes between the princely abbey and the imperial city of Kempten. In 1632, during the Thirty Years' War, the monastery and church were looted and destroyed by the Swedes and the citizens of the imperial city.
Prince-Abbot Roman Giel von Gielsberg then commissioned the construction of the monastery and residence in a palatial building with a representative double church, which served as a monastery and parish church. In 1652 the foundation stone for the church building was laid and from 1670 the church and monastery complex were ready for use. The monastery received its Baroque splendor, which can still be admired today in the State Rooms of the Residence, in the 18th century. In 1802, Bavarian troops occupied the princely abbey and the imperial city of Kempten, whereupon the monastery was dissolved and the Basilica of St Lorenz has been exclusively a parish church ever since.
In December and January, the Bründl nativity scene can be viewed on selected dates in the crypt below the choir of the Basilica of St Lorenz. It is the life's work of the crib maker Adolf Bründl, who comes from the Kempten district of Lenzfried, and is exhibited on approximately 25 square metres.
We also recommend the Basilica music with numerous concerts – amongst others – the market music.
WildeHilde Tip
As a generous benefactor of the monastery of Kempten I was immortalised with a ceiling painting in the Basilica. Can you find it?
You will find all the important information and notes on your journey to Kempten, on-site parking, public transport and mobility in Kempten and the Allgäu on the respective pages.
