Step into history at St Peter's Archabbey, a Benedictine monastery in Salzburg considered one of the oldest in the German-speaking area with a continuous history dating to 696. Nestled at the northern foot of the Mönchsberg, this ancient site offers a fascinating glimpse into centuries of spiritual and cultural heritage. You will discover a Romanesque abbey church originally erected from about 1130, which now showcases a striking Rococo interior created between 1760 and 1782, featuring a high altar by Martin Johann Schmidt.
The monastery boasts Austria's oldest library—housing 100,000 volumes including the precious 784 Verbrüderungsbuch—alongside significant music archives with works by Leopold and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Stroll through the historic Petersfriedhof cemetery, centered around the Late Gothic St Margaret's Chapel, where you can admire tombs built into the rock face arcades. Here, you will find the resting places of Mozart's sister Nannerl and composer Johann Michael Haydn, as well as early rock-cut 'catacombs' carved into the Festungsberg that once served as an Early Christian hermitage.
Finish your visit at the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, a restaurant first documented in 803.
What to see at St Peter's Archabbey Salzburg
- Austria's oldest library, founded with manuscripts dating back to 784
- Rococo church interior featuring a high altar by Martin Johann Schmidt
- Tombs of Nannerl Mozart and Johann Michael Haydn in the cemetery and church
- Rock-cut 'catacombs' and chapels carved directly into the Festungsberg hill
- St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, claiming to be Central Europe's oldest restaurant
Visiting tips
Access to the stunning Rococo library, converted from the medieval Zellenbibliothek in 1768, requires special permission.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
St Peter's Archabbey Salzburg is easy to reach on Salzburg’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Hohensalzburg Fortress and Salzburg Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Salzburg travel guide.
See the full Salzburg travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.