St. Peter’s Church
About St. Peter’s Church
- Seating categories: Category I seats are at the front section near the altar. Category II seats are in the middle section of the nave, while Category III is positioned around the rear section of the church.
- Seating capacity: The church accommodates approximately 400 attendees.
- Best seats: Category I offers the closest view of the performers for an immersive experience.
- Good value seats: Category II provides a balanced view and excellent acoustics at a moderate price.
- Views from different sections: Category I has direct sightlines to the musicians. Category II offers a clear view with slightly more distance. Category III has a limited view, but the church’s acoustics ensure impressive sound quality.
- Recommendations: Choose aisle seats in Category II for more legroom. If you need assistance or special accommodations, contact the church in advance.
The current edifice of St. Peter’s Church was built in the 18th century but its origins date back to the Early Middle Ages. The site is traditionally linked to Charlemagne, who is said to have founded a church here around 800 AD.
A Romanesque structure followed, which eventually burned down in 1661. After the devastating plague of 1679 to 1680, the deeply religious Emperor Leopold I decided to rebuild it.
Construction of the Baroque masterpiece seen today began in 1701 under architect Gabriele Montani. Some years later, Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt took over and completed the project, leading to the church’s consecration in 1733.
Since then, St. Peter’s has played an important role in Vienna’s cultural and religious life. It regularly hosts classical concerts, making it not just a place of worship but also a hub for Vienna’s rich musical tradition.
- Architectural style: Baroque, characterized by dynamic forms, elaborate ornamentation, and dramatic use of light and shadow.
- Exterior: The church boasts a prominent green copper dome flanked by two towers, each adorned with statues of saints. The facade includes a relief by R. Weyr depicting the legendary founding of the church by Charlemagne.
- Interior: The oval-shaped nave is adorned with gilded stucco, intricate frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr, and a high altar featuring Martino Altomonte's painting of St. Peter healing the lame. The ornate pulpit, crafted by Matthias Steinl, is topped with a representation of the Holy Trinity.
- Notable features: The church houses relics of martyrs from Roman catacombs, displayed in glass coffins beneath the side altars. Its compact design maximizes space, creating an intimate yet grand atmosphere.
St. Peter's Church in Vienna is renowned for hosting classical concerts featuring the Classic Ensemble Vienna, a group of internationally acclaimed musicians. Their performances offer an intimate musical experience within the church's Baroque architecture. The ensemble's repertoire includes masterpieces by composers such as:
- ***Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: **Eine kleine Nachtmusik & selections from Requiem*
- ***Antonio Vivaldi: *Excerpts from The Four Seasons
- Johann Sebastian Bach: *Air on the G String*
- Franz Schubert: *Death and the Maiden* (Second Movement)
- Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet in C Major, Op. 59, No. 3 (Rasumowsky) – Fourth Movement
Know Before You Go
- Subway (U-Bahn): Take lines U1 or U3 to Stephansplatz Station. From there, it's a short 3-minute walk along Graben to Petersplatz, where the church is situated.
- Bus: Routes 1A, 2A, and 3A stop at Graben/Petersplatz, directly adjacent to the church.
- Tram: While no tram lines pass directly by Peterskirche, nearby stops such as Schwedenplatz (served by lines 1 and 2) are within a 10-minute walk.
- Parking: Parking in Vienna's city center can be challenging due to limited spaces and short-term parking zones. We recommend using public transport or parking in designated garages like the Altstadtgarage Mitte.
- Restrooms: Facilities are available for visitors within the church premises.
- Visitor information: Informational brochures and guides are available to help visitors learn more about the church's history and architecture.
- Wheelchair accessibility: The church is equipped with ramps and designated areas to accommodate wheelchair users, ensuring easy access to concert spaces.
- Stroller accessibility: Families with young children in strollers can navigate the venue comfortably.
- Accessible restrooms: Barrier-free, wide stalls are available for guests with mobility needs.
- Arrive early: Seating is first-come, first-served within ticket categories, and the best spots fill up quickly. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good spot, admire the frescoes, and settle in before the music starts.
- Dress in smart casuals: While there’s no strict dress code, smart casual attire fits the elegant setting. Think dress shirts, blouses, or a neat sweater—not too formal, but polished enough for a classical concert.
- Prepare for wooden pew seating: The church’s traditional wooden benches can feel hard during longer performances, so consider bringing a small cushion or wearing a coat you can sit on for extra comfort.
- Plan for temperature variations: Even in warmer months, the church interior can be noticeably cooler due to its stone structure. Dress in layers or bring a light scarf.
- Explore post-concert dinner options: After the concert, unwind with a Sachertorte (rich chocolate cake) or Apfelstrudel at Café Central or Demel, two of Vienna’s most iconic coffeehouses.
- Restaurant Wienerin 1010-Wien (43m away): Offers Austrian and European cuisine in a cozy setting. Specialties include Wiener Schnitzel, goulash, and apple strudel.
- Fabios (160m away): Serves Italian and Mediterranean dishes in an elegant atmosphere. Known for seafood pasta, risotto, and tiramisu.
- Turkis- Goldschmiedgasse (450m away): Features Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. Specialties include kebabs, meze platters, and baklava.
- Restaurant Makka (1.5km away): Offers Middle Eastern and Lebanese dishes. Known for falafel, hummus, and mixed grill platters.
- Rinderwahn (1.9km away): Specializes in gourmet burgers with various toppings. Popular choices are the classic cheeseburger, BBQ bacon burger, and sweet potato fries.
Frequently asked questions about the St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church offers an intimate, candlelit setting with outstanding acoustics that enhance the depth of classical music. Unlike large concert halls, the Baroque atmosphere and proximity to the musicians create a deeply immersive and emotional experience, making each performance feel personal.
Yes, we recommend booking your St. Peter’s Church concert tickets in advance, as the church has limited seating and concerts often sell out, especially between June and August, and during the Christmas season. While some last-minute tickets may be available at the entrance, securing them online ensures the best seats and a hassle-free experience.
As seating is usually first-come, first-served within ticket categories, it is best to reach the church at least 30 minutes before the concert begins to secure a good view. Plus, arriving early gives you time to admire the stunning Baroque interiors before the music begins.
No, the church is not heated, and it can get quite cold inside during the winter months. Dress warmly and wear layers, as the stone structure retains the chill, making it feel colder than the outside temperature.
You're welcome to take photos inside the church, but photography and filming are not allowed during concerts due to copyright restrictions and to ensure an uninterrupted experience for all guests.
Most performances at St. Peter’s Church run 60 to 75 minutes without an intermission, making them a perfect addition to an evening in Vienna without taking up your entire night.
There’s no strict dress code, but since the venue is a historic church, avoid overly casual outfits like shorts or flip-flops, and if attending in winter, dress in layers.
The church is generally open from 7am to 8pm on weekdays and Saturdays and from 9am to 9pm on Sundays and public holidays.
The St. Peter's Church is situated at Petersplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria, near the Graben shopping street in the city center.
You can take the U1 or U3 subway lines to Stephansplatz station, then walk along Graben to Petersplatz. Bus lines 1A and 2A also stop at Graben, adjacent to the church.
Parking in Vienna’s city center can be tricky due to limited spaces and short-term parking zones. It’s best to take public transportation or park in a nearby garage, like Altstadtgarage Mitte, and walk to the church.
