Affectionately known as "Alter Peter" by the people of Munich, St. Peter's Church is located directly behind Marienplatz. It is considered the oldest parish church in the Bavarian capital and houses Munich's oldest bells and tower clocks with eight dials.
Historic church
The history of St. Peter's Church dates back to the 12th century. In 1190, St. Peter's Church, built in the Gothic architectural style, was consecrated by Bishop Otto II of Freising. In the course of time, the church was stylistically rebuilt several times. After St. Peter's was almost completely destroyed after the Second World War, the elaborate reconstruction lasted until the year 2000.
Baroque high altar and relics worth seeing
The baroque high altar, which was built between 1730 and 1734, is particularly impressive. One of the highlights is the golden figure of St. Peter with a removable tiara.
You can also admire the relics of Saint Munditia, whose skeleton, richly decorated with gold, lies laid out in a glass coffin.
The catacomb saint lived in Rome around 250 and is considered the patron saint of widows and single women. It is also worth taking a tour along the stone slabs on the outer wall of the church. There are ancient gravestones which still commemorate the dead in old German.
Bell ringing
The 8 oldest tower clocks of the city even ring the city anthem. Four of them belong to the historical bells, which were cast from 1327 to 1720. The smallest of the eight bells can no longer be heard, but can be visited in the basement. It once had the task of announcing the executions on the Marienplatz.
One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Munich
If you are free from giddiness and have no problem climbing about 300 steps, you should not miss the ascent to the tower of the Old Peter. After passing the belfry, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular view of the towers of the Frauenkirche, the Theatinerkirche and the roofs of the Old Town. With clear skies or Föhn weather, you can even look forward to a breathtaking panorama of the Alps.
