Just east of Marienplatz is the landmark which features on most of Munich's postcards: the Frauenkirche, officially known as the Dom zu unserer lieben Frau.
The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid by Duke Sigismund in 1468. The building replaced an earlier church from the thirteenth century. Not only was this church in need of repairs, it was also deemed too small for the increasing importance of the church.The large Gothic building was constructed in a record time of just 20 years. The red brick church was built under the direction of the German architect Jörg von Halsbach who after his dead in 1488 was succeeded by Lucas Rottaler. The triple-naved cathedral is 109 meter (358 ft) long and 40 meter (131 ft) wide. The two towers reach a height of 99 meter (325 ft). The monumental building still towers over the city of Munich. By law no new building is allowed to obstruct the view of the cathedral.