aventuro Back to map A
Temples #28 in Munich

St. Peter's Church & Tower

4.7 · 5,418 reviews
A somber, historic space with a bustling observation deck.
St. Peter's Church & Tower, Peterspl. 1, 80331 München
Interesting facts
1

The church was originally built before the city of Munich was officially founded in 1158.

2

The skeleton of Saint Munditia, a Roman martyr, was decorated with gold and precious stones in 1675.

3

The tower, known as 'Alter Peter', features eight bells, including one of the oldest in the city, cast in 1327.

4

The church's location on Petersbergl is the only slight elevation in the flat inner city area.

5

During clear weather, the observation deck offers visibility of the Bavarian Alps up to 100 kilometers away.

6

The interior contains a famous 'death mask' of St. Munditia, which is actually a sculpted recreation.

7

The tower is one of the few places in Munich where the sound of the 'Pummerin' bell can be heard clearly.

Overview

St. Peter's Church, known locally as Alter Peter, is Munich's oldest parish church, dating its origins to the 12th century. The interior features a high altar designed by Erasmus Grasser and significant Rococo frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann. The church houses the jewel-encrusted skeleton of Saint Munditia in a glass sarcophagus, located in the second niche of the left aisle. Visitors can climb the 306 steps of the church tower, which provides a panoramic view of the city and, on clear days, the Alps. The structure exhibits a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural elements due to centuries of reconstructions. It is located at the center of Munich's old town, near the Viktualienmarkt. The tower's observation deck is one of the highest accessible vantage points in the historic district. The current building was largely reconstructed following severe damage during World War II.

Photo spot

The top of the tower looking north toward Marienplatz and the New Town Hall.

Insider tips

Climb the tower early in the day to avoid narrow stairwell congestion during peak hours.

Check the weather forecast before visiting the tower, as low clouds or fog can obstruct the Alpine view.

Visit the left aisle to specifically view the relic of Saint Munditia.

What to avoid

Attempting the climb if you have mobility issues or claustrophobia, as the staircase is steep, narrow, and involves many steps.

Etiquette

Maintain silence; cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for an active place of worship.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning on a clear day for the best visibility from the tower.
Address
St. Peter's Church & Tower, Peterspl. 1, 80331 München
48.137, 11.576
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleRomanesque, Gothic, and Baroque
Key exhibitRelic of Saint Munditia

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning on a clear day for the best visibility from the tower..

The top of the tower looking north toward Marienplatz and the New Town Hall.

Close by you'll find Deutsches Museum, Munich Residence, Odeonsplatz.