St. Peter’s Church Munich Guide: Alter Peter Tower & What to See

For our first day in Munich, I had planned to visit the main attractions in Marienplatz and nearby. This was part of our five-day Munich itinerary. We started with the famous Rathaus-Glockenspiel, then continued visiting the New Town Hall, including its observation tower. We went to the Toy Museum after that.

After lunch, we headed to Viktualienmarkt and St. Peter’s Church in Munich. We had already seen the church and its tower from the New Town Hall observation deck, and now it was time to go inside.

This article includes our experience at St. Peter’s Church, also known as Peterskirche, what surprised us inside, the details I wish I had known to look for, and practical information for visiting the Alter Peter tower.

Munich’s Oldest Parish Church

St. Peter’s Church is the oldest parish church in Munich. The history is more complex than a single construction date: the oldest documented church building at this location dates from before 1180, it was expanded in the 13th century, and a new church consecrated in 1294 was seriously damaged during the great Munich fire of 1327.

Construction of a new Gothic church began in 1329. Baroque and Rococo changes followed in later centuries, while severe bombing damage in 1944 and 1945 led to a long reconstruction. This explains why you can see Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo elements in the same church today.

I admit I did not know all of this before our visit. Given everything that happened in Europe over the centuries, the many restorations should not have surprised me, but I was still struck 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.

Entering St. Peter’s Church: Free Admission and Our First Impressions

The first useful thing to know is that you can visit the church for free. The observation tower is a separate paid experience with a different entrance.

You can donate to the church for maintenance. I did, and it was very easy: I could use my phone to make the donation.

At first, I thought the church would be a relatively short stop after the other attractions around Marienplatz. In reality, there are many altars, sculptures, frescoes, relics, and small details to examine. Even if you do not climb the tower, the interior alone is worth seeing.

The Interior of St. Peter’s Church

The interior of St. Peter’s Church is breathtaking. You will see Gothic and Baroque details, frescoes, ornate altars, sculptures, and intricate woodwork.

I would say that the Baroque elements add light and a pleasant atmosphere. I usually prefer Baroque churches to Gothic ones, so I spent a lot of time looking at the golden details, statues, and altars.

The High Altar and St. Peter’s Removable Tiara

Do not miss the High Altar, created between 1730 and 1734 by several important Baroque artists. The golden seated figure of St. Peter in the centre was sculpted by Erasmus Grasser and is one of the details you should look at closely.

The figure wears a removable papal tiara. According to tradition, the tiara is removed after the death of a pope and remains off the statue until a new pope is elected.

You cannot get very close to the altar, but you can use your camera as a zoom lens to see it in more detail. I spent some time doing exactly that and admiring details I could not see clearly with the naked eye.

The church has many other altars, and they are all worthy of a stop. It is easy to focus only on the high altar and miss the side chapels, but some of the most surprising things in the church are found there.

The Bejewelled Relics of St. Munditia

I did not know about St. Munditia before visiting, so the relics surprised me—and all of us.

One of the most unusual features of St. Peter’s Church is the full-body reliquary of St. Munditia. It is displayed on the Liborius Altar in an elaborate Baroque glass shrine decorated with silver ornaments, jewels, and rich fabrics.

The official parish identifies Munditia as an early Christian martyr from Rome. Her reliquary has been in St. Peter’s Church since 1677, and she is regarded as the patron saint of single women.

The skeleton is positioned on cushions, reclining slightly toward the viewer. Its limbs are decorated with jewels in vivid shades of red and green.

One of the most captivating details is the pair of glass eyes embedded in the skull. They gaze outward in slightly different directions, creating an unusual expression. The skull is also adorned with a metallic laurel wreath, adding solemnity to an already striking display.

This is not something every visitor expects to see inside a church in central Munich. I found myself thinking about it for days after the visit.

The Skull Identified as Saint Erasmus

A smaller glass reliquary rests above St. Munditia’s shrine and can be easy to overlook amid the bones, jewels, and Baroque decoration surrounding the larger reliquary.

Inside, a skull with striking blue eyes rests on a cushion and is crowned with a halo. The inscription above the reliquary identifies it as the skull of Saint Erasmus.

Surprising Details and Curiosities at Alter Peter

The Tower Cross Has an Unusual Position

There is both a legend and a practical explanation for the unusual position of the cross at the top of the tower.

According to the legend, the devil was already angry after being tricked during the construction of the Frauenkirche. He then attacked St. Peter’s Church with his demons, but the tower guard drove them away with a wooden cross. Before returning to hell, the devil kicked the tower cross and shifted it.

The practical explanation is related to the weather. The large cross was exposed to powerful west winds, so its position was changed to reduce the wind pressure and the risk of damage.

I learned this legend from the official church website, and that was a nice surprise for me. I am Christian, but Orthodox and not a practitioner, and you would never see this type of legend included on an official church website—or mentioned by a priest—where I come from. Ever!

Where to Find the 1796 Cannonball

This is one of the things I wish I had known before visiting St. Peter’s Church because I would have paid more attention to the walls.

My husband was not feeling well, so we were in a bit of a rush, but even so, we would have stopped to look for it.

During the Coalition Wars in 1796, an Austrian cannonball fired from the Gasteig area entered the church through a window while a service was taking place. Nobody was injured, although the congregation fled in panic. According to the official parish account, the priest remained and finished the service with the altar servers.

The cannonball was later embedded in a window ledge of the choir apse as a reminder of what happened. If you stand in front of the apse and look up toward the choir wall, you can still see it.

So, while we missed this cannonball, I am telling you about it so that you will not miss it.

I learned about the cannonball and the tower-cross legend from the official St. Peter’s Church curiosities page.

Alter Peter Has Eight Clock Faces

This is a curiosity you can notice as you approach the church. There are two clock faces on each of the four sides of the tower, for a total of eight.

The original public clock dates from 1381. Four additional clock faces were added in 1621 when the tower received its distinctive upper section. One possible explanation is that the higher clocks remained visible as surrounding buildings grew taller.

The Poor Sinners’ Bell

Eight bells hang in the Alter Peter tower. The smallest and oldest is known as the Poor Sinners’ Bell, or Arme-Sünder-Glocke, and dates from the period after the Munich fire of 1327.

It once rang during public executions on Marienplatz. Today, it is kept behind a barred window on the lowest level of the tower. Visitors who climb Alter Peter can also look through windows toward the belfry and see the tower’s bells.

We did not climb the tower, so this is another detail I did not see personally but would look for during a future visit.

Climbing the Alter Peter Tower

Alter Peter is the familiar name used for the tower of St. Peter’s Church. The tower is 91 metres tall, and the public viewing platform is reached after climbing 306 steps.

There is no elevator. This is essential to know before buying a ticket, especially if you have knee problems, limited mobility, or simply do not want a long stair climb.

I knew about the stairs beforehand and, due to my knee issue, we chose the New Town Hall tower for our view over the city. I visited St. Peter’s Church, but I did not climb Alter Peter, so I cannot describe the ascent from personal experience.

From the viewing platform, visitors can see Marienplatz, the New Town Hall, the Frauenkirche, Munich’s rooftops, and the Alps on clear days. The classic view of the New Town Hall from above is one of the main reasons many visitors choose Alter Peter.

Alter Peter or the New Town Hall Tower: Which Should You Choose?

We stood in Marienplatz looking at both towers, and the deciding factor for me was accessibility.

Choose Alter Peter if: you are comfortable climbing 306 steps, want the classic elevated view of the New Town Hall and Marienplatz, and prefer the less expensive of the two tower tickets.

Choose the New Town Hall tower if: you have knee or mobility limitations, do not want to climb hundreds of stairs, or prefer an elevator to the viewing platform. The visits use timed slots, so you need to check the time printed on your ticket.

The New Town Hall viewing platform is higher, at approximately 85 metres, while Alter Peter’s viewing platform is approximately 56 metres high. However, higher does not automatically mean better. The views are different because each tower lets you photograph the other landmark.

For me, the New Town Hall was the right choice because of my knee. Someone without mobility concerns may prefer Alter Peter for its classic view over Marienplatz.

Is St. Peter’s Church Munich Worth Visiting?

Yes. St. Peter’s Church is worth visiting even if you do not climb the tower.

The church is easy to include while exploring Marienplatz, admission to the interior is free, and there is much more to see than I expected. The high altar is impressive, the side chapels deserve attention, and the bejewelled relics of St. Munditia are difficult to forget.

I also liked the combination of documented history and unexpected curiosities: the cannonball, the eight clock faces, the unusual position of the tower cross, and the Poor Sinners’ Bell. These details made the visit more interesting than simply entering another old European church.

For visitors able to manage 306 steps, Alter Peter adds one of Munich’s best-known panoramic viewpoints. For people with knee or mobility limitations, the church interior is still worth seeing, and the New Town Hall tower provides an elevator alternative nearby.

Planning Your Visit to St. Peter’s Church Munich

Here are the practical details you need before visiting.

Church admission: Entry to St. Peter’s Church is free. Donations are welcome, and I was able to donate using my phone.

Alter Peter tower ticket prices: Adults pay €5. Reduced admission is €3 for eligible visitors, including students with valid identification, people with disabilities, accompanying persons for people with disabilities, and visitors aged 65 or older. Pupils aged 6–18 pay €2, and children under six enter free.

Advance reservations: The official parish states that reservations and advance bookings for Alter Peter are not available. Tickets are valid for one admission at the time of purchase.

Summer tower hours, April–October: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, with last admission at 7:00 PM.

Winter tower hours, November–March: Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with last admission at 6:00 PM. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the tower is open from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, with last admission at 7:00 PM.

Special opening hours and closures apply on some religious holidays and event days. Prices and regular hours were checked in July 2026, but I recommend checking the official Alter Peter tower page shortly before your visit.

Church services: St. Peter’s remains an active Catholic parish. Sightseeing access may be affected by Masses, services, and religious events. Check the current service schedule before your visit. Be respectful, keep your voice low, and avoid walking around or taking photos during a service.

How much time to allow: I would allow at least 20–30 minutes for the interior if you want to look at the high altar, side chapels, and St. Munditia without rushing. Add considerably more time if you plan to climb the tower and enjoy the view.

On selected dates, brass music is performed from the tower platform. The schedule changes, so check the official tower page if this is something you would like to hear.

For more practical details about transport, tickets, Sundays, and planning your stay, see my guide with things to know before visiting Munich.

How to Get to St. Peter’s Church Munich

St. Peter’s Church is at Petersplatz 1, 80331 Munich, only a short walk from Marienplatz and Viktualienmarkt.

The closest public transport stop is Marienplatz. You can use the U3 or U6 U-Bahn lines or any S-Bahn line serving the central station. From there, the church is just a few minutes away on foot.

If you need help choosing tickets or understanding the network, my Munich public transport guide explains the main options.

Tips for Visiting St. Peter’s Church and Alter Peter

Do Not Rush Through the Interior

The high altar draws attention immediately, but take time to look at the side chapels. St. Munditia, the smaller reliquary identified as Saint Erasmus, and several beautifully decorated altars are away from the main central view.

When we visited in late June, the church was not crowded, although there were other visitors and tour groups.

Look for the Details Before You Leave

I wish I had known exactly where to find the cannonball. Save the location before visiting, and remember to look at the two levels of clock faces outside.

Wear Comfortable Shoes if You Plan to Climb the Tower

The Alter Peter climb involves 306 steps and no elevator. Wear footwear that gives you good support and consider your knees and energy level before buying the ticket.

Apart from the tower, I always recommend comfortable shoes while travelling so that you take care of your feet. In summer, I usually wear sandals because they are perfect for me.

Choose a Clear Day for the View

For the best views from the tower, visit on a clear day. You may be able to see beyond Munich to the Alps.

If you have a flexible itinerary, check the weather forecast and plan your visit to this part of the city on a clear day. There are many attractions within a short walking distance, so you can easily adjust their order.

Check the Service Schedule

Because this is an active church, a service or religious event may affect how much of the interior you can explore. Do not treat the church like a museum when worship is taking place.

Donations Are Welcome

Although entrance to the church is free, a donation helps with the maintenance of this historic building. I donated, and it was easy to use my phone to pay.

Conclusion

St. Peter’s Church was an excellent part of our first day in Munich. I expected history and beautiful architecture, but I did not expect St. Munditia or several of the curious details connected to the tower.

We missed the cannonball, and I could not climb Alter Peter because of my knee, but those are exactly the details I would plan around during another visit. Even without the tower, I am glad we entered the church and took time to see its altars, sculptures, ceiling, and unusual relics.

If you are already visiting Marienplatz or Viktualienmarkt, do not limit your experience to seeing Alter Peter from outside. Go inside, look beyond the main altar, and leave enough time to notice the details.

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Peter’s Church Munich

Is St. Peter’s Church Munich free to visit?

Yes. Entry to the church interior is free, although donations are welcome. The Alter Peter observation tower has a separate paid ticket.

How much does the Alter Peter tower cost?

The current adult ticket is €5. Reduced admission is €3, pupils aged 6–18 pay €2, and children under six enter free. Check the official page before visiting in case prices change.

How many steps are in the Alter Peter tower?

There are 306 steps to the viewing platform.

Does Alter Peter have an elevator?

No. The viewing platform can only be reached by stairs. Visitors who need an elevator can consider the nearby New Town Hall tower instead, although they should check its current accessibility information before booking.

Can you book Alter Peter tickets in advance?

No. The official parish states that reservations and advance bookings are not available.

Who is the skeleton inside St. Peter’s Church Munich?

The decorated full-body reliquary belongs to St. Munditia, an early Christian martyr from Rome. Her shrine has been at St. Peter’s Church since 1677, and she is regarded as the patron saint of single women.

Where is St. Munditia inside the church?

The reliquary is displayed on the Liborius Altar in one of the side chapels. Look beyond the central high altar so that you do not miss it.

What can you see from Alter Peter?

The viewing platform offers views over Marienplatz, the New Town Hall, the Frauenkirche, Munich’s rooftops, and, in clear weather, the Alps.

What is the closest station to St. Peter’s Church?

Marienplatz is the closest station. It is served by the U3 and U6 U-Bahn lines and all central S-Bahn lines.

Violeta Loredana

Violeta-Loredana Pascal is a communications expert, business mentor, and the founder of Earth’s Attractions and PRwave INTERNATIONAL. A pioneer in the Romanian digital PR landscape since 2005, she holds a degree in Communication and Social Sciences from SNSPA Bucharest. Violeta is a senior trainer at AcademiadeAfaceri.ro, where she leverages over 20 years of experience to teach professional courses in PR strategy and workplace productivity. By blending high-level business consulting with a passion for holistic travel and wellness, she empowers solopreneurs to overcome procrastination, build profitable brands, and design a life of purposeful adventure.