Peterskapelle

Gazing at the Peterskapelle, one might hear whispers of its long history. The Peterskapelle stands as a testament to Nuremberg’s rich past. It’s more than just a chapel. It’s a treasure chest of stories. Located in the southeast of the old city, the Peterskapelle began as a leper hospital chapel dedicated to St. Peter and Paul. The area was known as “Siechgraben” in 1344. The chapel’s construction, though initially attributed to Ulrich Haller in 1327, actually stems from a bequest by Gabriel Tetzel in 1440. Due to objections from the Bishop of Bamberg and the pastor of St. Lorenz, construction was delayed and ultimately completed by Tetzel’s cousin, Jobst, in 1470. The Peterskapelle has survived the test of time, undergoing restorations in 1726-1756, 1824, 1879, and even after World War II. The Peterskapelle is built of sandstone blocks. The choir, with its two window axes and 3/8 closure, is crowned by a net vault. Seven keystones adorn the vault, one depicting Peter and Paul, and the others displaying coat of arms reliefs, including Gabriel Tetzel’s alliance coat of arms with his wives Kress and Haller. The lower nave has a flat roof and a three-part window on each side of its eastern part. A horseshoe-shaped wooden gallery from around 1750 is supported by profiled pillars. The chapel also houses a northern portal, two western portals, rectangular windows above the gallery, and iron-clad doors, all likely dating back to the same period. The sacristy, south of the choir, features a star vault bearing the Tetzel coat of arms and a small window above the entrance from the choir. Inside the Peterskapelle, a baroque altar rises above a medieval stone mensa, featuring twisted columns, curved gables, and a depiction of Christ on the Cross. The saints Peter and Paul flank Christ, while angels perch on the gable pieces. The Tetragrammaton, surrounded by acanthus leaves and a halo, symbolizes God’s presence. This high altar, created around 1700, is likely the work of sculptor Johann Leonhard Bromig. Winged angel heads adorn the base, while gilded acanthus and floral work decorate the altar above the side figures, where a Tetzel coat of arms once resided. The Peterskapelle also holds several notable altars, including the Koler Altar, a triptych from 1437 depicting the Crucifixion and members of the Koler family, and the Muffel Altar, showcasing the Adoration of the Magi and various saints. A Rococo pulpit from around 1750 adds to the chapel’s artistic richness. The Peterskapelle’s walls tell stories through art. A painting of Archangel Michael as the soul weigher, with the praying Pardt family below, graces the south choir wall. Epitaphs commemorate individuals like Hans Jakob Haller and Christoph Tetzel, offering glimpses into their lives and legacies. A large fresco of St. Christopher, commissioned by Christoph Behaim in 1591, adorns the south wall of the nave. The Peterskapelle’s stained glass windows, though damaged, showcase coats of arms and biblical scenes. Even the gravestones, relocated after the war, contribute to the chapel’s historical tapestry. The Peterskapelle isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to Nuremberg’s past, whispering stories of faith, art, and resilience through the centuries.