St. Peter's Church, Freiberg, Germany

St. Peter’s church dates back to the 12th century. It was built as a three-nave Romanesque basilica on one of the highest elevations of the city, also a place that served as former execution grounds. The church was consecutively modified in the Gothic style due to frequent fires (1225, 1375, 1386, 1471, 1484). For a significant time, the church stood in the center of an affluent merchant district hence there was no scarcity of funds for construction. A large fire in 1728 left only the outside walls and the south tower standing. The church was then rebuilt in a Baroque style and the culmination of the efforts was the acquisition of a new Silbermann organ in 1735. Theodor Quentin substantially changed the interior of the church in 1895-96 who removed the empores and enlarged the site choirs deeper into the church nave, which became narrower.

The last pronounced changes were in 1974-83. Walls joined the side empores and the spacious areas behind them serve the needs of the parish. A glass wall separates the sanctuary. Friedrich Presse designed the sculptures adorning the bright white interior. However, the aesthetically interesting reconstruction lacks from the acoustic viewpoint. The church’s attractions include a 236-foot (72 m) high Peter’s tower with bells from 1487 and 1570 as well as the two story apartment of the fire watchman who resided there until the beginning of the 20th century.

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User Reviews

Susanne Gerasch (10 months ago)
We were able to experience a very nice, even free, organ concert on the beautiful Silbermann organ. Church is very modern in design. It's not my taste.

Julia Sternkicker (2 years ago)
A great view of Freiberg’s old town. A board with a diagram by Albrecht Holländer provides information about the buildings that can be seen. When visibility is good, you can see the Tharandter Forest and also catch a glimpse of the Ore Mountains with the Frauenstein castle ruins. The climb to the Petri Tower is worth it. Simply because of the many steps and the view into the history of the historic walls. The nice gentleman who accompanied us to the climb was also able to contribute many stories and the history of the city. He was happy to answer questions and was also able to say a lot about industrial history and current developments. The highlight is not only the magnificent view from the balcony, but also the apartment of the last tower keeper. It was interesting how a tower guard lived so high up. How everything everyday was transported up and down again through trap doors.

Gernot Berndt (2 years ago)
At the highest point in the old town is the parish church of St. Petri, first mentioned before 1190. The west tower has a beautiful baroque dome. Once you enter, you will notice the unusual, simple, modern design. Christ with a crown of thorns (very uniquely designed) looks at the historic Silbermann organ. The real highlight is climbing the Petri Tower, height 72 m. There are magnificent views of Freiberg and its surroundings. The tower keeper willingly answered questions.

Steppe Frdl (4 years ago)
Barrier-free.

Katha M. (4 years ago)
Quite an interesting structure. Unfortunately parked in front so that I couldn't take any photos. Closed due to Corona, of course, but I don't think that's a bad thing.

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