Welcome to the Saint Peter's Church, one of the most beautiful barroque churches in Vienna, built from the year 1701 to 1733 based on the plans of Lukas von Hildebrand. It was here back in the 4th century and under the roman empire where the first church was built in Vindobona, now Vienna. Since then. this worship is celebrated here. Liturgy, masses and classical music makes Peter's Church a hot spot for the locals and tourists.
Also the Classic Ensemble Vienna has found his home here. Consisting of internationally renowned musicians who had many successful performances in Austria, Mexico, USA, Sweden, Germany, etc., the Classic Ensemble Vienna captivates with beautiful interpretations of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, Vivaldi and more.
We invite you to experience this unforgettable journey.
Before leaving, do look again at the painting above the main altar (7). This work of art (by M. Altomonte) portrays the healing of the lame man by St. Peter and St. John at the Beautiful Gate in Jerusalem. Before you leave the church you might pray for the unity of all Christians. St. Peter's has worked for this goal since 400 AD.
When you are outside in St. Peter's Square (Petersplatz), take a little time to walk around the church and admire the harmonious and dynamic lines of the building. Note the relief by R. Weyr (14) depicting the supposed founding of St. Peter's Church of the Middle Ages by Charlemagne. Admire the well proportioned apse (15) with the statues of St. Michael and St. Peter (by Mattielli), and the front portal decorated with figures of lead, by A. Altomonte (1). Note the inscription commemorating Emperor Leopold's vow to build this church at the time of the plague of Vienna in 1679/80.
The Baroque church was built by a lay fraternity: the Fraternity of the Blessed Trinity, of which the Emperor was a member. St. Peter's was completed and consecrated in 1733. In 1970 Cardinal König, the Archbishop of Vienna, entrusted the care of St. Peter's Church and its pastoral activities to priests of Opus Dei (www.opusdei.org). They continue this work today.
You have just entered one of Vienna's most beautiful and famous churches. Its architectural and artistic qualities make St. Peter's one of Vienna's most impressive places of interest and we are pleased to welcome you here. Please remember that St. Peter's is above all a house of God. Vienna's first Christian church was built here at a time when Vienna was still a Roman camp under the name of Vindobona. The original Roman church was later replaced by a three-naved Romanesque church, which in turn made way for the present magnificent example of Baroque architecture, built by Lukas von Hildebrandt at the beginning of the 18th century. So Holy Mass hasbeen celebrated daily at St. Peter's for 1600 years.
PLEASE do not forget that you are in a church.
Be respectful, and speak quietly.
