Peterskirche (Saint Peter's Church), Heidelberg

A popular photo spot for tourists, Saint Peter’s is the oldest surviving church in Heidelberg’s Old Town. Originally built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, it predates the foundation of Heidelberg itself. Renovated in the late 15th century, it acquired a Gothic tower and chapel. After being destroyed during the Nine Years’ War, however, it was rebuilt in the Baroque style in the early 18th century.

Between 1863 and 1870, the church underwent a Neo-Gothic conversion and expansion. Beside it lies an ancient cemetery containing graves and monuments more than 500 years old, including one dedicated to the poet Olympia Fulvia Morata, who died in 1555.

The church contains 90 epitaphs inside, while another 66 are mounted on its exterior walls. In 2004, a major renovation of the interior introduced a new altar, pulpit, baptismal font, Easter candlestick, and freestanding cross in the choir. In July 2006, four new windows designed by glass artist Johannes Schreiter were installed. Three windows in the University Chapel explore the themes of “Encounter,” “Resurrection,” and “Persecution.” A fourth, themed “Peace,” is located in the northern side chapel, which is used for prayer and meditation. In March 2008, a modern sculpture of Jesus by Korean artist Lee Choon-Mann was added.

In 2010, three large windows—“Holy Spirit” and “Baptism” on the north side and “Heavenly Jerusalem” on the south—were installed, together with two smaller windows themed “Dignity” and “Sacrament.” These additions completed a cycle of nine windows.

The church regularly hosts exhibitions and concerts, aided by its excellent acoustics.