Asam vs. Bernini: the secret of the floating Madonna

Premiered Aug 10, 2026
Why is this work of art in a small Bavarian village a wonder of the world that even outshines the great Bernini in Rome?

Join me at Rohr Abbey Church, in the heart of the Bavarian countryside in the Hallertau region. Discover the secret of the ‘floating’ Madonna – a technical and artistic masterpiece of the Baroque era.
In this video, we unravelling one of Bavaria’s most extraordinary masterpieces. What you’ll learn:

1. Bernini vs. Asam: How the Bavarian genius of light further developed Roman techniques.
2. The physical miracle: Why a group of statues weighing several tonnes appears to float in mid-air.
3. The construction: An exclusive look at the secret wrought ironwork and the lightness of the stucco marble.
4. Behind the scenes: I’ll show you a dusty spot in the monastery where the lost splendour of the original choir screen is thought to be stored.


Click here to go straight to the individual chapters:
00:00 A real hidden gem: The floating wonder of Rohr
01:23 Where is Rohr? A gem in the Hallertau
02:08 The director of the wonder: The light (Luce alla Bernini)
03:17 Bernini’s models in Rome (Santa Bibiana & Saint Theresa)
04:01 Asam’s ‘Sacred Theatre’: When the whole room becomes a stage
07:12 The secret of the construction: How Mary really floats
09:37 A misconception cleared up: Who really built the church?
11:00 Egid Quirin Asam: From his brother’s shadow to genius
12:28 Half the work of art: The search for the lost choir screen


Location: Rohr Abbey Church, Bavaria
Artists: Egid Quirin Asam, Cosmas Damian Asam, Gian Lorenzo Bernini
This video is for anyone who loves the Baroque, art history, Baroque architecture, Bavarian history, sacred architecture or hidden gems in Bavaria!

Enjoy watching, and see you next time!
Cheers,

Constantin
Constantin Pelka untersucht die Abteikirche in Rohr, um die meisterhafte Lichtinszenierung und die innovative Eisenkonstruktion hinter der berühmten Himmelfahrt Mariens zu entschlüsseln. Dabei analysiert Pelka, wie das bayerische Barockwerk die Grenzen der Architektur verschiebt und in einem direkten Dialog mit den römischen Vorbildern von Gian Lorenzo Bernini steht.
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Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Italian sculptor and architect (1598–1680)
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