St. Lorenz Basilica

The origins of ecclesiastical presence in Kempten date back to the 8th century, with the founding of a monastery in 752. Following the looting and destruction of previous structures by Swedish troops and the reformed imperial city during the Thirty Years' War, particularly in 1632 and 1634, construction of the current church began in 1652. Under Prince-Abbot Roman Giel von Gielsberg, the foundation stone was laid. Initially planned as a parish church, it later combined the functions of a parish and monastic church. The Vorarlberg master builder Michael Beer commenced construction, but was later succeeded by Johann Serro, who made significant alterations to the design, giving the edifice its present form. A distinctive feature was the spatial separation of the choir for the convent and the nave for the parish community.

The cathedral is situated in the city of Kempten, within the Swabian administrative region of Bavaria. It is perched on a natural elevation of the left Iller high terrace, surrounded by various squares, including Stiftsplatz to the north and west, and Hildegardplatz to the south.

Today, St. Lorenz functions as a Roman Catholic city parish church and has held the honorary title of a Basilica minor since 1969, bestowed by Pope Paul VI. It is a protected architectural monument in Bavaria and a central hub for religious life in Kempten.

• Fürststift Kempten (Sacred Building, approx. 153 m away)
• Dorn Schlößle (Castle, approx. 411 m away)
• Weidachschlößle (Castle, approx. 480 m away)
• Roman Temple (Templum Iunonis) CAMBODVNVM (Camboduno) (Ancient Buildings, approx. 844 m away)