While Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral) and Karlskirche (St. Charles Church) are the better known cathedrals in Wien, Peterskirche is not one to sleep on!
On my first afternoon of exploring Vienna we were walking around with the intent of seeking out some of the more popular squares in the historic city center, and getting a feel for the surroundings. Purely by coincidence as we walked around Graben and Kohlmarkt shopping streets we saw Peterkirche and figured why take a look, so in we went. Since it wasn't originally on our itinerary we were pleasantly surprised that there wasn't a fee to enter.
From some previous trips, two things I've learned is that many of these historic cathedrals 1) may not look that ornate on the exterior, but the interiors are much more impressive, 2) are very much still working functional churches, with routine daily/weekly activities, and sometimes even during some services certain churches will allow visitors to enter as long as they maintain a respectful (quiet) atmosphere. Both were the case here, 1) the inside and especially the altarpiece and statues positioned around it were very elaborate, even more so than a lot of other churches I've visited before, and 2) around 5pm since it seemed like they were about to start an early evening activity.
Some history here:
- the original building is from the second half of the 4th century, speculated to be (or the church website claims it is), the oldest church in Vienna.
- built on the site of the Roman encampment Vindobona.
- in the original design built between the 8th and 11th C, the nave and two aisles were designed in the Romanesque style then later adapted to Gothic.
- the rebuilding of this church in a Baroque style was commissioned by Emperor Leopold I when Vienna was hit with the plague between 1679-1680.
- the work was kicked off under Gabriele Montani then later the renowned Austrian architect Lukas von Hildebrandt, and the church was finally completed in 1733 and consecrated to the Holy Trinity and Saint Peter.
- most recent restoration work occurred in 2001-2004.
The Classic Ensemble Vienna gives concerts regularly at the St. Peter's Church, and tickets are available online and in-person.
By public transit take subway lines U1 and U3 to Stephansplatz or bus lines 1A or 2A to Graben/Petersplatz.
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 19:00
Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 - 19:00
More info at:
https://www.peterskirche.at
https://www.visitingvienna.com/sights/peterskirche/
https://www.musicofvienna.com/peterskirche.htm read more