Old Saint Peter’s Church, Strasbourg 🇫🇷

Step into history at Old Saint Peter's Church (Église Saint-Pierre le Vieux) in Strasbourg, France, a remarkable place of worship first mentioned in 1130. Historically one of the Diocese of Strasbourg's nine medieval parish churches, it has a fascinating past: it became Lutheran in 1529 during the Reformation, hosted a Latin school in 1535, and in 1683, King Louis XIV mandated that part of the building be returned to Catholics.

A interior wall was erected at the rood screen to separate the two denominations—a barrier where a connecting door was finally opened in 2012. Inside the Catholic section, which was expanded in 1867 by architect Conrath, you will discover the relics of Brigit of Kildare alongside historic art classified as Monuments historiques, including Heinrich Lutzelmann's 1485 ten-painting series "Passion of Christ," 1500 wooden reliefs depicting scenes from St.

Peter's life, and 1504 paintings of Christ's post-Resurrection life. Meanwhile, the Lutheran section—still used by a congregation of the Protestant Church of Augsburg Confession of Alsace and Lorraine—houses its own protected treasure: Hans Wydyz's 1520s wooden Renaissance relief, the "Holy Family." Visit to explore this unique dual Catholic and Lutheran church.

What to see at Old Saint Peter's Church, Strasbourg

• Marvel at the 1485 "Passion of Christ" 10-painting Gothic series by Heinrich Lutzelmann.
• Inspect the internal wall erected in 1683 to divide Protestant and Catholic services, now featuring a door added in 2012.
• View the 1520s Renaissance wooden relief "Holy Family" by Hans Wydyz in the Lutheran section.
• See the relics of Brigit of Kildare and early Renaissance wooden reliefs of St. Peter in the Catholic section.

Visiting tips

Be sure to look for the internal dividing wall built under Louis XIV, and note the historic doorway added in 2012 that links the Catholic and Lutheran sections.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Old Saint Peter's Church, Strasbourg is easy to reach on Strasbourg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Musée alsacien and Saint Thomas Church, Strasbourg. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Strasbourg travel guide.