For our first day in Munich, I had planned to visit the main attractions in Marienplatz and nearby. We started with the famous clock – Rathaus-Glockenspiel, then continued visiting the New Town Hall – including the observation tower. We went to the Toy Museum after that.
After lunch, we headed to Virtualienmarket and St. Peter’s Church in Munich. In this article, I am presenting you our experience and impressions from St. Peter’s Church.
St. Peter’s Church is the oldest parish church in Munich, dating back to 1294. A church has existed here since the 8th century, but it has been destroyed.
The church itself underwent several restorations due to bombings and fires. That is why today, architecture buffs will notice a mix of Baroque, Gothic, and Rococo styles.
I admit I did not know this before visiting it – even it was to be expected, given the history Europe had – and I was a bit surprised by the mix of styles.
We had already seen this beautiful church from the New Town Hall tower, so now it was time to enter.
The entrance is free. There is an observation deck with views over the city
The first thing I want to mention is that you can visit the church for free.
You can donate to the church for maintenance (I did) – it is very easy, and can be done by card too (I used my phone and that was it).
You only pay to access the tower and to get a 360-degree view of the city. The ticket price is 5 euro for adults and 2 euro for kids.
Alter Peter—Petersturm – the tower is accessible after climbing 300 steps.
I knew this beforehand and, due to my knee issue, we chose the New Town Hall tower (accessible by elevator) for a view over the city.
But the view of Munich from Saint Peter’s Church is spectacular, as anyone can see from the pictures from the official website.
Stunning interior
The interiors of St. Peter’s Church are nothing short of breathtaking. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a mix of Gothic and Baroque details, including stunning frescoes, ornate altars, and intricate woodwork.
I would say that the Baroque elements add light and a good atmosphere/mood (I prefer Baroque churches to Gothic ones).
Don’t miss the High Altar, which features sculptures of St. Peter and other apostles. The altar is a masterpiece of Baroque craftsmanship and serves as the focal point of the church.
You cannot get very close – but you can use your camera as a zoom lense to see the altar in even more detail. I spent some time like that, admiring the altar.
But the church features several altars – all worthy of a stop.
Relics of St. Munditia
I did not know about this before visiting, so the relics surprised me (and us).
One of the unique features of St. Peter’s Church in Munich is the relics of St. Munditia. Encased in a glass shrine, these relics, adorned with gold and jewels, are fascinating and slightly eerie.
The skeleton is positioned on cushions, reclining slightly toward the viewer. Its limbs are decorated with alternating jewels in vivid shades of red and green.
One of its most captivating details is the pair of glass eyes embedded in the skull. These eyes set firmly in place, gaze outward in slightly divergent directions, creating a unique expression. The skull is further adorned with a metallic laurel wreath, adding an air of solemnity and reverence.
The Skull of Saint Erasmus
A smaller glass reliquary rests above St. Munditia’s glass ossuary, often unnoticed amidst the elaborate display of bones, jewels, and Baroque embellishments surrounding the skeleton.
Inside, a skull with strikingly blue eyes peers out, positioned on a cushion and crowned with a halo. An inscription above the reliquary identifies it as the skull of Saint Erasmus.
Cool and Fun facts about St. Peter (Munich)
The top cross is not facing west
Here, there is a legend explaining this – but there are also facts supporting the final decision.
The peculiar detail? The top cross is not facing west.
The legend says that the devil (already upset about the con at Frauenkirche) turned to this church filled with rage. But he was tricked again by a tower guard and his cross. So, before returning to hell with his demons, he gave the tower cross a powerful kick, thus shifting the cross by 90 degrees.
The reality is simpler. There are powerful winds in Munich, so they decided to place the cross differently than the usual one so that it would resist in time.
There is a cannonball in the wall
Well, this is one of the things I wish I knew before visiting St. Peter’s Church, Munich – because I would have paid more attention to the walls.
True, my husband was not feeling well so we were a bit on the rush, but even so, we would have looked at it closely.
So, while we missed this cannonball, I am telling you about it so that you won’t miss it.
It is a cannonball from 1796, during the Napoleonic Wars when an Austrian cannonball hit the church. No one was hurt.
The cooler part is that I learned about these 2 curiosities from the official site of the church, an official site that includes the legend too.
It is a nice surprise for me because, while I am Christian, I am an Orthodox (not practitioner) – but you would never see such legends on official sites or even mentioned by a priest! EVER!
There are 2 clocks
This is a curiosity you will easily notice while getting closer to the church. And there is a potential explanation. The top clock was added later.
Why You Should Visit St. Peter’s Church, Munich
A Journey Through History
If you love diving into the past, you’ll be fascinated by St. Peter’s Church. It has stood witness to Munich’s evolution from a small medieval settlement to a bustling modern city. Walking through its doors feels like stepping back in time.
Architecture Lovers’ Paradise
The architectural elements of St. Peter’s Church are a feast for the eyes. Whether it’s the intricate frescoes and altars or the commanding tower, there’s no shortage of details to admire.
Cool Curiosities
As mentioned above, there are a few cool things worthy to be seen up close here.
The Interesting Body of St. Muntitia
Located just a few steps from the entrance, this glass ossuary is mesmerizing. I found myself thinking about it days after seeing it.
Nice View of Munich
If you want to get a 360-degree view of Munich (and even see the Alps on clear days), the observation deck of St. Peter Church in Munich is a great choice. As mentioned, we chose a different observation deck for health reasons only.
The Free Entrance
While you can donate a small amount to help preserve the church, you are not obliged. You can visit the church for free.
How to Get to St. Peter Church, Munich
St. Peter’s Church is one of the best things to see in Marienplatz and the nearby area.
The church is easily accessible – just use your public transport app (or any map) to look for Marienplatz Station – and from there, it is just a few meters away.
Tips for Visiting St. Peter’s Church
Arrive Early for Tower Access
The tower can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Arriving early in the day not only ensures shorter wait times but also gives you better lighting for photos.
When we visited – late June – it wasn’t crowded, but there were people, tours, etc.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb to the top of the tower involves around 300 steps, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes. The staircase is narrow and steep, but the view at the top is worth the effort.
Apart from that, I always recommend wearing comfy shoes while traveling – so that you take care of your feet.
In the summer, I always wear sandals – I prefer them, they are perfect for me.
Plan for a Clear Day
For the best views from the tower, visit on a clear day. You’ll be able to see landmarks far beyond Munich, including the majestic Alps.
If you have a more flexible itinerary, check the weather forecast for your trip to Munich and plan a visit to this part of the city on a clear day – as there are many things to see here.
Donations Are Welcome
While entrance to the church is free, a small donation is appreciated to help with the maintenance of this historical site. I donated – It was easy to do, I could use my phone to pay.
