Was it fate or mere chance that brought you here to Kath. Pfarrgemeinde St. Peter und Paul? This church isn’t just another building. It holds stories within its walls.
Kath. Pfarrgemeinde St. Peter und Paul stands as a testament to faith and history. It is a vital part of Munich. Today we will uncover some of its secrets. We will explore its significance to the community.
St. Peter’s Church is Munich’s oldest parish church. Its roots trace back to the 12th century. The church’s tower clocks are the oldest documented in Munich. They have marked time for centuries with their eight dials. The tower bells have also been an integral part of the city’s soundscape. Four of the current eight bells were cast between 1327 and 1720. The smallest and oldest bell is the “Poor Sinner’s Bell”. It used to sound during executions on Marienplatz. Now it hangs behind a barred window in the tower basement.
Inside Kath. Pfarrgemeinde St. Peter und Paul, art treasures await. The high altar from the early 18th century is a highlight. It features a golden figure of St. Peter. The relics of St. Munditia rest in a glass coffin. She was a catacomb saint who lived in Rome around 250. Her remains arrived in Munich as a gift in the 17th century.
If you are free of giddiness and fit for climbing stairs, consider ascending Alter Peter. That is what locals affectionately call the tower. Three hundred steps lead to the viewing platform at 56 meters. From there you can see the Frauenkirche towers and the old town. On a clear day, you might even spot the Alps.
Entry to the church is free. The tower costs 5 euros for adults and 2 euros for pupils. Students pay 3 euros with a valid ID. Children under 6 enter free. The tower is open daily from 12:00 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on Easter Friday, Shrove Tuesday, and New Year’s Day.
Kath. Pfarrgemeinde St. Peter und Paul has been reconstructed numerous times. This was necessary due to fires and wars over the past 800 years. The church’s interior reflects its history. It blends Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo architectural styles. The St-Martin-Altar and ceiling fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmermann are highlights.
As we conclude our visit, remember Kath. Pfarrgemeinde St. Peter und Paul is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to Munich’s past and present. Its bells still ring. Its art still inspires. Its doors are always open.