Petershausen Abbey

Petershausen Abbey is a Benedictine monastery on the northern bank of the Rhine River, defining Konstanz's religious landscape. The complex comprises the church, cloister buildings, and ancillary structures that expanded and evolved over many centuries.

Bishop Gebhard II founded the abbey in 983, bringing Benedictine monks from Einsiedeln to establish the first monastic community at this location. This founding act made the site a significant center for monastic life in the region.

The name derives from Saint Peter and his spiritual legacy in the region. Today visitors can sense the religious importance of the site through its architectural layout and the way the church commands the landscape.

The site is accessible from outside and offers views of the impressive architecture and its position on the river. Some buildings now house a museum and offices, so certain areas may be restricted to specific visiting times.

The abbey church was intentionally oriented westward to mirror the design of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. This architectural choice symbolically connected the monastery to Christianity's most important holy site.

Location: Constance

Inception: 10 century

Capital city: Constance

GPS coordinates: 47.66800,9.17850

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01