St Peter's Abbey

The Stiftskirche St. Peter, also known as St Peter's Abbey, was founded in 696 A.D. by St. Rupert. Originally built during the Romanesque period, the architecture reflects the by-gone era during which the church was constructed. Later in the 17th and 18th centuries the structure was rebuilt in an intricate Baroque style. The church is known for Mozart's ‘Mass in C Minor’, to which Constanze, his wife, sang lead soprano, which made its premier here at this church in 1783. He also directed the orchestra as well as the choir while he played his organ a number of times here for church service. Now each year when the city celebrates Salzburg's Summer Music Festival, the church plays the Mass in C Minor. The church holds a number of priceless memories and possessions such as the tomb of St. Peter, the founder, paintings by Kremser Schmidt at the alter, The Salzburg Madonna, from the 15th Century and more. Rich in history, architecture, worship, art and music, the church is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.