A copper spire piercing the Copenhagen sky. That’s Saint Peter’s Church. Its grandeur hints at centuries of stories.
Saint Peter’s Church isn’t just a pretty building. It’s the oldest structure in central Copenhagen. Originally a single-nave church it dates back to the 12th century. It was one of four Catholic parish churches in medieval Copenhagen. The first church burned down in 1380. It was swiftly rebuilt.
After the Reformation Saint Peter’s Church had an unusual job. For a time it was used as a canon and bell foundry. King Frederick II then gave it to Copenhagen’s German-speaking community in 1585. This explains why services are still held in German. The congregation’s growth led to several expansions. Architect Hans van Steenwinckel the Elder renovated the church. He added a gablet to the tower. This was later replaced by the impressive spire.
Christian IV added transepts in the 17th century. Christian V added more later. This created the cruciform shape we see today. The impressive sepulchral chapels appeared between 1648 and 1740. They are filled with the tombs of prominent German families. These chapels contain sarcophagi and layers of coffins in underground crypts.
The 1728 Copenhagen fire severely damaged Saint Peter’s Church. The interior was destroyed. The outer walls survived. Johan Cornelius Krieger rebuilt the church. A new copper spire replaced a shorter one in 1757. It survived the 1807 bombardment.
Tensions between Denmark and Germany in the 18th century caused problems for Saint Peter’s Church. The church lost its prestige and financial support. In 1994 the Danish state took over the church. Extensive restoration followed.
Today Saint Peter’s Church is a vibrant hub of German culture in Copenhagen. The German-speaking Evangelical-Lutheran congregation still uses it. They hold services and organize tours and concerts. This church continues to link Copenhagen to its German heritage. It stands as a testament to resilience and faith.