The church was constructed using approximately 4 million bricks, reflecting the influence of the Hanseatic League on Swedish architecture.
The Krämare Chapel's wall paintings were hidden under layers of whitewash for centuries before being uncovered and restored.
The high altar is one of the largest and most elaborate wooden Renaissance altarpieces in the Nordic countries.
The church's tower has collapsed and been reconstructed multiple times due to fire and structural instability.
During the Reformation, St. Peter's was the first church in the region to adopt Lutheran practices under the direction of Claus Mortensen.
St. Peter's Church (Sankt Petri kyrka) is Malmö's oldest building, constructed in the early 14th century as a landmark of Baltic Brick Gothic architecture. The church features a distinct three-aisled basilica design modeled after St. Mary's Church in Lübeck. The interior houses a well-preserved 17th-century wooden pulpit and a large altarpiece from 1611. The south chapel, known as the Krämare Chapel, contains medieval lime paintings dating back to the 15th century. It served as the primary place of worship for Malmö's merchants and burghers during the Middle Ages. The towering 105-meter spire was rebuilt in the 19th century following a lightning strike and subsequent collapse of the original. The church functions as an active parish within the Church of Sweden. It remains a central site for city history and ecclesiastical heritage in the Scania region.
From the corner of Göran Olsgatan and Petriplatsen, where you can capture the full height of the brick spire against the sky.
Walk around the exterior to view the intricate brickwork detailing near the base of the tower.
Look for the Krämare Chapel to observe the well-preserved medieval mural cycle.
The interior is significantly cooler than the outside temperature, even in mid-summer.
Avoid visiting during private weddings or funerals, as the interior is closed to tourists during these ceremonies.
Respectful silence is expected; remove hats when inside; avoid walking through areas actively used for prayer.
