Attraction
Marienplatz and New Town Hall
Munich's central square, overlooked by the Neo-Gothic New Town Hall with its Glockenspiel, an 85-metre tower reached by lift and a courtyard open to all.
St. Peter’s Church (Alter Peter)
Munich's oldest parish church, just off Marienplatz, whose 306-step tower known as Alter Peter gives one of the best views over the old town.
At a glance
- Type
- Church and viewing tower
- Area
- Altstadt, Munich, Germany
- Official site
- alterpeter.de
Good to know
- Tower viewing platform
- Free church entry
Why we recommend it
St. Peter's is the oldest parish church in Munich, and a church stood on this small rise beside Marienplatz before the city was founded in 1158. The present building has been rebuilt several times: a Romanesque church was replaced after a great fire in 1327 and rededicated in 1368, and in the early 17th century the tower received its Renaissance top while a Baroque choir was added. Heavily damaged by bombing in the Second World War, the church was restored over the following decades. Its tower, about 91 metres high, is affectionately called Alter Peter, or Old Peter, and is a symbol of the city.
The main reason most visitors come is the tower. A narrow staircase of 306 steps leads past the bell chamber to a viewing gallery at about 56 metres, which runs right around the spire. From here you look straight down onto Marienplatz, the New Town Hall and Viktualienmarkt, and across to the towers of the Frauenkirche. On clear days, especially with a warm Föhn wind from the south, the Alps appear on the horizon.
Inside, the church is richly decorated. The high altar includes a seated figure of St Peter by Erasmus Grasser, there are altars by Ignaz Günther and Gothic panels by Jan Polack, and the ceiling fresco by Johann Baptist Zimmermann dates from 1753 to 1756. In the Munditia chapel on the north side, the relics of St Munditia, brought from a Roman catacomb, rest in a black-painted Baroque reliquary made in 1677.
The tower climb is steep and the stairs are narrow, so it is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility or a fear of heights. Allow about 30 to 45 minutes. The tower is open daily, with longer hours from April to October and slightly shorter weekday hours in winter. Tickets are bought on site and cannot be reserved, and children under six go up free. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest time.
The church is a minute's walk south of Marienplatz station on the S-Bahn and the U3 and U6. Combine it with the Glockenspiel at 11:00 or 12:00 and a stroll round Viktualienmarkt, which starts at the foot of the church.
St. Peter’s Church (Alter Peter) FAQs
How many steps are there up Alter Peter?
306 steps lead to the viewing gallery.
What are the tower opening hours?
From April to October daily 9:00 to 19:30; from November to March weekdays 9:00 to 18:30 and weekends and holidays 9:00 to 19:30. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Can I book tower tickets in advance?
No. Reservations are not possible; tickets are bought on site.
Is the tower suitable for children?
Yes for confident climbers. Children under six go up free, but the staircase is narrow and steep.
Is there a lift?
No, the only way up is the staircase.
How high is the viewing platform?
The gallery is at about 56 metres, and the tower is about 91 metres tall.
Who is St Munditia?
A saint whose relics, brought from a Roman catacomb, rest in a Baroque reliquary of 1677 in a chapel on the north side.
Where is St. Peter's Church?
On Rindermarkt, a minute's walk south of Marienplatz.