St. Lorenz Basilica Archaeological Site

St. Lorenz Basilica is a Baroque basilica in Kempten in the Allgäu region of Bavaria. It was built as the abbey church for the former Kempten Benedictine Abbey and is a dominant feature of the town’s skyline.

The basilica is noted for its Baroque interior decoration, including stucco work and ceiling frescoes, and it contains a high altar and choir typical of large abbey churches. The building functions as a parish church and as a historic landmark for Kempten.

Constructed in the early modern period to replace earlier monastic buildings, the church has been preserved and restored and remains central to Kempten’s religious and cultural life.

The basilica stands in the centre of Kempten in Bavarian Swabia, within the Allgäu region of southern Germany.

• Architectural style: The church is a prominent Baroque- and Rococo-period basilica with an elaborate interior of stucco and ceiling frescoes dating from its major reconstruction in the early modern period.

St. Lorenz Basilica is accessible by regional roads in Bavaria; the nearest larger towns connect by local bus services. If driving, follow the B308 and local signage to the parish center; parking is typically available nearby.

• Climb partway up the basilica tower (if access is open) for alpine views-Gerlos Alps loom nearby on a clear day.
• Notice the baroque interior details that continue the Bavarian love of ornament-small frescoes get lost if one only scans the altar.
• Visit during local feast days to catch traditional Bavarian music and choirs.