The cathedral's two spires were only completed between 1859 and 1869, long after the main Gothic structure was finished.
The interior contains 14th-century stained glass, one of the few original sets to survive in their original window frames.
The 'Smiling Angel' (c. 1280) is considered one of the most significant pieces of Gothic sculpture in the cathedral.
The foundation stone was laid to replace an earlier Romanesque church that burned down in the 13th century.
The cathedral serves as the primary home for the Regensburger Domspatzen, a choir founded in 975 AD.
Unlike many German cathedrals, its design is heavily modeled after French cathedrals like Reims and Amiens.
The cathedral treasury contains liturgical items and vestments dating from the 11th century to the modern era.
St. Peter Cathedral in Regensburg is the primary example of French-influenced Gothic architecture in Bavaria. Construction began around 1273 and continued in phases for over six centuries, with the iconic spires completed only in the mid-19th century. The interior features a three-aisled nave and an elevated choir, showcasing high-quality medieval stained glass dating back to the 14th century. Notable sculptural works include the 'Smiling Angel' and the Annunciation group on the pillars. The cathedral functions as the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Regensburg and serves as the home base for the famous Regensburger Domspatzen cathedral choir. The structure is built from light-colored limestone, which has required extensive ongoing restoration to combat environmental erosion. It remains the only Gothic cathedral of this scale in the region, distinguishing it from the Romanesque style prevalent in neighboring churches.
The Domplatz square directly in front of the western facade offers the best perspective of the spires.
Visit during a scheduled choir rehearsal or Mass to hear the famous Domspatzen acoustics.
Look for the 'donkey' sculpture carved into the stone, which serves as a medieval inside joke by the stonemasons.
Bring a jacket, as the stone interior remains significantly cooler than the outdoor temperature even in summer.
Avoid taking photographs during active religious services or during choir performances.
Occasional closures occur for private liturgical events or ongoing stone restoration projects.
Modest clothing is expected; remove hats and maintain a quiet, respectful volume as it is an active place of worship.
