St. Peter's Catholic Church (Peterskirche) — Attraction in Vienna

Early History: Originally the site of an ancient cathedral, possibly built in the late 4th century during the Roman Empire, it is considered one of the first churches in Vienna.

Current Building: After being destroyed by fire in 1697, reconstruction began under the patronage of Emperor Leopold I, and the architect is believed to have been Johann Lucas von Hildebrand.

Completion: The current Baroque cathedral, completed in 1733, is one of the masterpieces of Austrian Baroque architecture.

Frescos in the Dome

The Rococo-style dome is particularly elaborate in the Baroque style, and the ceiling painting, painted by Johannes Andreas von Longe in 1714, depicts the Ascension of St. Peter.

High Altar

The central altar depicts the crucified Jesus with St. Peter looking up, surrounded by ornate gold decorations.

Pipe Organ & Concert

This cathedral is a place where classical organ concerts are regularly held, and many performances can be enjoyed without an admission fee.

The mini concerts in the evenings are especially popular with travelers.

Octagonal Floor Plan

Unlike the traditional cross-shaped structure, the octagon-based floor plan makes the interior of the cathedral feel more overwhelming and...

St. Peter’s Church is one of those places that leaves you speechless the moment you step inside. Tucked away just off the bustling Graben, it might be easy to miss if you’re not looking for it—but it’s absolutely worth seeking out.

The baroque architecture is stunning. Every inch of the interior is intricately detailed—gilded sculptures, vivid frescoes, and an altar that practically glows in the natural light filtering through the dome. It’s not a large church, but the sheer amount of craftsmanship packed into the space is astonishing.

Even during busy hours, the atmosphere remains peaceful and reverent. If you’re lucky, you might catch an organ recital or a classical concert in the evening—an experience that feels nothing short of transcendent in such a beautiful setting.

Unlike some other major churches, St. Peter’s is free to enter, though donations are welcome and deserved. It’s an ideal spot to take a quiet break from sightseeing, light a candle, or simply soak in the incredible artistry and serenity.

Whether you’re religious or not, this church is a must-see in Vienna. It’s a masterpiece of design and a perfect reminder of the city’s rich cultural and...

Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church) is an attractive Baroque style church that can be visited in the city centre of Vienna. It is conveniently located along Grabenstraße and just a few minutes walk from Stephensplatz.

This important church has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. However, the present churh building was constructed in the early 18th century and fashioned after the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica. It is much smaller in scale but features an attractive facade and bronze dome, the first of its kind in Vienna.

The interior of the church is quite beautiful as well. You will find a small circular hall, similar to layout to several Baroque churches in Rome. You will see an attractive high altar, several side altars with beautiful religious works of art. Note the main alter was covered during my last visit due to it being lint. The ornate pulpit is worth spending a few minutes to enjoy, as is the remarkable inner dome frescos.

Given the small size of the hall, you can enjoy all in no more than 5-10 minutes of your time. Or take more time here if you enjoy...