St. Peter's Church

Munich, Germany

St. Peter's Church is the oldest church in the Munich district. Before the foundation of Munich as a city in 1158, there had been a pre-Merovingian church on this site. 8th century monks lived around this church on a hill called Petersbergl. At the end of the 12th century a new church in the Bavarian Romanesque style was consecrated, and expanded in Gothic style shortly before the great fire in 1327, which destroyed the building. After its reconstruction the church was dedicated anew in 1368. In the early 17th century the 91 meter spire received its Renaissance steeple top and a new Baroque choir was added.

The interior is dominated by the high altar to which Erasmus Grasser contributed the figure of Saint Peter. Among other masterpieces of all periods are five Gothic paintings by Jan Polack and several altars by Ignaz Günther. The ceiling fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmermann (1753–1756) was re-created in 1999-2000.

The parish church of Saint Peter, whose 91 meters high tower is commonly known as Alter Peter - Old Peter - and which is emblematic of Munich, is the oldest recorded parish church in Munich and presumably the originating point for the whole city.

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Address

Rindermarkt 1, Munich, Germany
See all sites in Munich

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Vinh Gấu (A Wanderlust!) (15 months ago)
Nice church. Among buildings that you can pay to climb up to top for look out, i do prefer to pay 5euro for this church rather than other ones. You can see New Hall Tower, Mary’s Square,… much better view. Do recommend!
Aggie Wang (2 years ago)
It’s the oldest church in Munich. The alter and the ceiling are beautifully decorated and painted. The 93 meter tower can be reached via climbing the 306 stairs. The entrance is at the side door of the church. Not inside. The entrance fee is €5, can be paid with credit card or cash. The climb is not bad, the staircase is much wider than some of other bell towers I have been. The view from the top is stunning. From here you have clear sight of the most iconic two landmarks: Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and two towered Frauenkirche (Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady), and the charming city. Both new town hall and old town hall provide the birds eye view platforms. But no doubt the view from the St Peter’s Church is the best although it requires some physical climbing, not like the other two where there is an elevator to bring people up.
Katie Shum (2 years ago)
Lovely church in the centre of Munich. The views of the city from the top of the tower were amazing, definitely worth €5 and the 300+ step climb up! I heard that it gets quite busy, so I went first thing in the morning and it was quiet. Don't forget to see the inside of the church itself, it's beautiful and free.
david antoun (2 years ago)
The oldest church in Munich, old bells the sound of that era, the old wooden stairs that take you through the tower to a magnificent top view also the relics of Saint and other superb antic sculptures and paintings are among also other things that specialize this church. You can witness the view from the top with just 5 euros with 300 steps. also you see the external architecture if you climb that rathaus tour.
Robert Bartz (2 years ago)
The tower (EUR 5 per adult) offers great views of the city if you manage to climb up stairs for about 14 stories. The way down ends in a nice church which would be worth a visit even if not going up to the tower first.
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