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St. Peter's Abbey: Salzburg's Ancient Monastic Heart

Explore Salzburg's oldest monastery: a blend of history, architecture, and musical heritage in the heart of the city's Old Town.

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Founded in 696 by Saint Rupert, St. Peter's Abbey is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world, nestled at the foot of the Mönchsberg mountain in Salzburg's Old Town. This Benedictine abbey boasts a rich history, stunning architecture blending Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles, and a serene cemetery with catacombs.

A brief summary to St. Peter's Abbey

Local tips

  • Visit the catacombs and St. Peter's Cemetery to experience a unique blend of history and tranquility.
  • Check the schedule for concerts or events held in the Romanesque Hall or St. Peter Stiftskulinarium.
  • Enjoy a meal at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, the oldest restaurant in Central Europe.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    St. Peter's Abbey is located in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Salzburg Cathedral, walk south through the Kapitelplatz, then continue straight, passing the Franziskanerkirche on your left. The main entrance to St. Peter's Abbey will be on your right. Admission to the abbey is free, but there is a fee of €2 for adults and €1.50 for children to visit the catacombs.

  • Public Transport

    Salzburg's public bus system provides convenient access to St. Peter's Abbey. Several bus lines stop near the abbey in the Old Town. From the main train station (Salzburg Hauptbahnhof), take bus lines 1, 4, 22, or 23 to the Rathaus or Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz. From there, it is a short walk to the abbey. A single ticket costs €3.00 if purchased on board or can be cheaper if purchased in advance via the Salzburg Verkehr App. As of May 1, 2025, tourists receive free access to public transport with the 'Guest Mobility Ticket' provided by their accommodation.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Salzburg and can drop you off near St. Peter's Abbey. A taxi ride from the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to the Old Town will cost approximately €13, depending on traffic. Taxi fares start at €3.50, with an additional €1.90 per kilometer. Keep in mind that taxis may not be able to stop everywhere in the city center.

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Discover more about St. Peter's Abbey

St. Peter's Abbey, or Stift Sankt Peter, stands as a testament to Salzburg's enduring religious and cultural heritage. Founded in 696 by Saint Rupert, it is considered the oldest continuously active monastery in the German-speaking world. For centuries, it served as the spiritual heart of Salzburg. The abbey's architecture reflects its long history, with elements from various periods. The Romanesque basilica, dating back to the 12th century, features a towering church steeple and an interior adorned with Baroque and Rococo details. The abbey is also home to Austria's oldest library, containing over 100,000 volumes, though it is generally only accessible via special guided tours. Adjacent to the abbey lies St. Peter's Cemetery, one of the most beautiful and oldest cemeteries in the world. Here, elaborate tombs and crypts surround the late-Gothic St Margaret's Chapel, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. Hewn into the side of the Festungsberg mountain are the catacombs, ancient caves that once served as early Christian gathering places. Visitors may recognize the cemetery and catacombs from the film 'The Sound of Music'. St. Peter's Abbey has strong musical connections. Mozart composed the Dominicus Mass for the abbey in 1769, and Michael Haydn later wrote the Rupertus Mass. Today, the abbey's Romanesque Hall and the Baroque Hall in St. Peter Stiftskulinarium host concerts and events, including Mozart Dinner Concerts. Visitors can explore the abbey church, wander through the cemetery, and discover the catacombs. The St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, dating back to 803, is considered the oldest restaurant in Central Europe and offers a unique culinary experience.

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