St Peter's Archabbey Salzburg

St. Peter's Archabbey is a Romanesque monastery in Salzburg's old town featuring a three-nave basilica decorated with Renaissance bronze chandeliers and religious paintings. The interior walls display several altarpieces created by the painter Martin Johann Schmidt, filling the space with religious expression and artistic skill.

The monastery was founded in the late 7th century and remains one of the oldest continuously active cloisters in German-speaking lands. Its role as a center for religious work and learning has persisted for over a thousand years and continues today.

The monastery's name refers to the apostle Peter and the Benedictine order that shaped life here over centuries. Visitors today can observe traces of this tradition in the carefully crafted altars and the solemn architectural design throughout the building.

The monastery and its church are open to visitors during normal daytime hours, though opening times may vary by season. The adjoining cemetery has separate hours that shift with the seasons, so it is worth checking exact times before your visit.

Within the monastery complex stands a restaurant that connects visitors to a long tradition of dining in this historical setting. This blend of sacred space and everyday nourishment shows how the cloister has functioned as a living place for people across centuries.

Location: Salzburg

Inception: 7 century

Founders: Rupert of Salzburg

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Address: St.-Peter-Bezirk 1-10

GPS coordinates: 47.79690,13.04580

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02