Petersberg Erfurt: the Citadel Above the Old Town

Right above Cathedral Square rises the Petersberg, and with it one of the largest surviving baroque city fortresses in Central Europe. Climb the steps from Domplatz and you find yourself between massive bastions and a Romanesque monastery church, with perhaps the finest view of the cathedral and old town. For many locals, the Petersberg is the favourite spot for a Sunday walk.

Petersberg at a glance

• Location: on the north-western edge of Erfurt's old town, right above Cathedral Square
• Citadel: built from 1665, a baroque fortress with bastions and gates
• St Peter's Church: Romanesque church of the former Benedictine monastery, 12th century
• What makes it special: underground listening tunnels that can be visited on guided tours

History: from monastery to fortress

Long before cannons stood here, a monastery shaped the hill. In the 12th century, Benedictine monks built St Peter's Church, a large Romanesque basilica that gave the hill its name.

In the 17th century, things changed. Erfurt came under the rule of the Archbishop of Mainz, and from 1665 a modern fortress was built on the Petersberg to control and protect the city. The monastery initially remained, right in the middle of the citadel.

During the Wars of Liberation in 1813, the fortress was besieged and St Peter's Church was badly damaged. Afterwards, the Petersberg served military purposes well into the 20th century. Today the site has been restored and is open to everyone. During the 2021 Federal Garden Show, the Petersberg was one of the two main venues.

What to see on the Petersberg

• Bastions and ramparts: A walk along the fortress walls shows how vast the site is and keeps opening up new views of the city.
• Peterstor gate: One of the entrances to the citadel and one of the hill's most striking buildings. It is also the design of our kit.
• St Peter's Church: Despite the damage of 1813, the Romanesque basilica is impressive and is used for exhibitions.
• Listening tunnels: Beneath the bastions lies a network of tunnels where soldiers listened for enemy tunnellers. They can be visited on guided tours.
• The view of the cathedral: From the bastions above Cathedral Square, you look down on the cathedral and St Severus' Church, especially beautiful in the evening.

Tips for your visit

• Climb from Cathedral Square: The shortest route is the steps leading straight up from Domplatz.
• Guided tours: For the listening tunnels and the history of the fortress, a guided tour is worthwhile. Dates are available from the Erfurt Tourist Information.
• Allow time: Plan at least an hour for a walk across the plateau and the bastions.
• Combine: From the Petersberg, it's only a few minutes to the Merchants' Bridge and the Old Synagogue.

The Petersberg as a kit

Our Petersberg Erfurt kit shows the Peterstor gate with gatehouse, bastions and approach at a scale of 1:1,000. It has 12 wooden pieces, is about 5 cm wide and comes in a matchbox. It is made in Germany from local wood. More designs from Erfurt and other cities: Landmarks as wooden kits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Petersberg in Erfurt?

A hill on the edge of the old town with the Petersberg Citadel, a large baroque fortress, and the Romanesque St Peter's Church of a former monastery.

Is there an entrance fee?

The citadel grounds are freely accessible. Guided tours, for example through the listening tunnels, usually charge a fee.

How old is the Petersberg Citadel?

Construction of the fortress began in 1665. St Peter's Church on the hill is much older and dates from the 12th century.

What are the listening tunnels?

Underground passages beneath the bastions, from which soldiers listened for attackers digging tunnels under the fortress.