St. Peter — Attraction in Munich

St. Peter’s Church, affectionately known as “Alter Peter” by locals, is Munich’s oldest parish church and a site of great historical and architectural significance.

History and Architecture

The church’s history is deeply intertwined with Munich’s past. Originally a Romanesque structure, St. Peter’s was first mentioned in a document from 1225 or 1226. It underwent a significant transformation in the late 13th century when a more ornate Gothic basilica replaced the earlier Romanesque church. The Gothic church was dedicated in 1294 by Bishop Emicho von Freising.

In 1327, a large fire devastated much of Munich, including the eastern choir of St. Peter’s. The church was subsequently extended and renovated, incorporating the characteristic Gothic elements. Notably, the church’s tower, with its open, all-around viewing gallery, is a popular viewpoint today.

Throughout the centuries, St. Peter’s Church has been continuously adapted and modified. In the 17th century, it received a new baroque-style tower crown, designed possibly by Heinrich Schön the Elder. The church’s interior was also extensively renovated in the baroque style, adding to its historical richness.

Unique Features to Experience on Site

Visitors to St. Peter’s Church can climb the tower to enjoy panoramic views of Munich. The ascent is a unique experience, offering a breathtaking perspective of the city’s skyline, including the nearby Frauenkirche and Marienplatz.

The church’s interior is adorned with beautiful artworks, including altars, paintings, and sculptures, blending Gothic and Baroque elements. The high ceilings, stained glass windows, and the Gothic architectural style are particularly remarkable.

Inclusion in a Munich Itinerary

St. Peter’s Church should be a key stop in any Munich itinerary, especially for those interested in history and architecture. A suggested route could be:

Start at Marienplatz: Explore the central square of Munich, which houses significant historical buildings including the New Town Hall. Visit St. Peter’s Church: Just a short walk from Marienplatz, delve into the history and climb the tower for views. Proceed to Viktualienmarkt: After visiting St. Peter’s, head to the nearby Viktualienmarkt for a taste of local food and culture. Explore the Frauenkirche: Conclude your tour with a visit to the Frauenkirche, another iconic church in Munich.

Overall Impression

St. Peter’s Church is not just a religious site but a symbol of Munich’s historical evolution. Its blend of architectural styles, significant artworks, and the unparalleled views from its tower make it an essential visit for anyone seeking to understand the heart and...

St. Peter's Church in Munich is a magnificent church that is definitely worth visiting. The church, which dates back to the 12th century, is a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture. It is located in the heart of the city and its tower is one of the landmarks of Munich.

The interior of the church is simply breathtaking. The nave is adorned with ornate paintings, sculptures, and frescoes, while the high altar is a true masterpiece of Baroque art. Visitors can also admire the intricate details of the choir stalls, the beautiful stained glass windows, and the many other artistic treasures that are on display throughout the church.

One of the most fascinating features of St. Peter's Church is its catacombs, which contain the remains of many prominent figures from Munich's history. Visitors can take a tour of the catacombs and learn about the history of the church and its role in Munich's past.

Another must-see feature of St. Peter's Church is its tower, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. The climb up the tower can be a bit challenging, but the view from the top is truly breathtaking.

Overall, St. Peter's Church is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Munich. The church's ornate interior, fascinating catacombs, and stunning tower make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If you're in Munich, don't miss the opportunity to visit St....

St. Peter's (Peterskirche) history dates back nearly a millennium, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. This is a landmark conveniently located just off of Marienplatz, making it convenient to include in your sightseeing itinerary.

The church features a 91-metre tower making it visible from many locations around the Old Town. You can climb the tower for views of the city if interested.

We very much enjoyed the interior with its impressive Baroque and Rococo style design, including delightful stucco work by German artist Johann Baptist Zimmerman. There is a beautiful high altar statue of St. Peter by Erasmus Grasser (1492) and apse fresco just overhead. The nave is lined with columns, decorated with gilded sculptures, historic paintings. The pulpit and side chapels in the aisles are worth a look-see as well.

Interestingly, as you enter the church, there is a wall display with the history of the church buildings that have existed, been expanded and rebuilt over the centuries. This was nice to read and helped provide context around the various architecture forms that you can find as you walk around the inside and outside of St. Peter's Church in Munich.

In the end, we liked our visit to St. Peter's Church. There are a handful of very good churches to visit around the Old Town. This is one one we would make sure to include for anyone who enjoys seeing old churches during...