St. Peter's Church

Overview

St. Peter's Church is a jewel-box Baroque church just off the Graben, modelled on St. Peter's in Rome. Despite its modest exterior wedged between buildings, the oval interior bursts with frescoes, gold leaf, and dramatic Baroque illusionism.

Highlights

• Dome fresco: Johann Michael Rottmayr's 'Assumption of the Virgin' covering the entire dome.
• Free organ concerts: Regular lunchtime and evening concerts showcase the 1751 organ.
• Crypt: A serene underground chapel rarely visited by tourists.

History

The current church (1733) replaced a 4th-century original that was one of Vienna's oldest Christian sites. Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt designed the interior.

Visitor Tips

• Free entry: Open daily; donations welcome.
• Concert schedule: Check peterskirche.at for free recital times.
• Duration: 15 minutes.