With its turquoise steeple towering above the Altstadt (Old Town) of Lübeck, Dom St. Petri (St. Peter’s Church) is one of the city’s most important landmarks. Originally a three-naved Roman church built in the 12th century, it was expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries into a five-naved Gothic hall church. It was severely damaged during World War II, with the church roof completely destroyed, but was lovingly restored in the 1980s and has become a cultural hub of the city today.
While the exterior of Dom St. Petri was accurately recreated, the interior was purposely left as a light and airy interior where regular arts and crafts markets take place and cultural events are held. It features a small triumphal cross that was created using raw planks by Arnulf Rainer, as well as an organ built by Hinrich Otto Paschen in the northern aisle. The viewing platform of the church also boasts magnificent views of Lübeck’s Old Town and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, stretching all the way to the Baltic Sea on a clear day.
The former church hosts regular community discussions on a variety of ethical questions, as well as theatrical games, music and dance performances. These evenings are a great opportunity to experience the historic atmosphere of this Lübeck landmark while mingling with the local residents. Regular art exhibitions are also held inside St. Peter’s Church to showcase the work of local and regional artists, and if you’re visiting during the day, there’s a small cafe where you can grab refreshments and light snacks.