St. Peter's Church (Hauptkirche St.Petri)

Hamburg's oldest church is located right in the shopping district on Mönckebergstraße, and it is named after the apostle and martyr Petrus, who is described with a key as "the gatekeeper of heaven". The church was built in the 11th century, but it was first recorded in 1195 as a "market church". In the years 1310-1320, the construction of a three-story gothic church was begun. With the construction of a second southern nave around 1418, essential expansion works were completed.

Just steps from City Hall, St.Petri (Saint Petri), St.Petri became Hamburg's oldest church after the destruction of the Mariendom in 1805.

Although in the great fire of 1842, the gothic church was completely destroyed by fire, only seven years later the newly rebuilt building was presented to the people of Hamburg. During World War II, in July 1943, "Operation Gomorrah" air raids caused another major fire in the city. Fortunately, the tower of this era was not severely damaged, although the same cannot be said for the rest of the city, nearly half of which was destroyed.

If visitors can climb the 544 steps to the observatory, they will be able to see a beautiful view of the entire city through the windows of the tower. From this great height, panoramic views of the city including City Hall , Lake Alster and even the cranes in the far harbor can be seen.

Address: Bei der Petrikirche 2, 20095 Hamburg

Opening hours: - Monday & Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 10:00 - 18:30

- Wednesday: 10:00 - 19:00 / Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00 / Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00