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Castle · Erfurt, Turíngia
Zitadelle Petersberg
Baroque star-shaped fortress, built from 1665 on the hill behind the cathedral. It has bastions with views, an exhibition in the Kommandantenhaus and listening tunnels that are visited with a guide.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Zitadelle Petersberg
The Zitadelle Petersberg covers about 36 hectares on the hill northwest of the centre, just behind the Domplatz. Construction began in 1665, when Erfurt was governed by the archbishopric of Mainz, and the star-shaped fortress is one of the largest preserved baroque urban fortifications in Central Europe.
Before the fortress there was a Benedictine monastery. What remains is the Peterskirche, a Romanesque church built between 1103 and 1147, where German emperors and kings held court meetings. Damaged in 1813, it now hosts art exhibitions. French troops occupied the fortress from 1806 to 1814, and military use continued until 1963.
Running inside the walls are the Horchgänge, listening tunnels where soldiers tried to hear enemies digging towards the fortress. They are seen on guided tours. The Kommandantenhaus houses the visitor centre and an exhibition on the hill’s history, and the fortress bakery from 1832 is back in operation.
The bastions and viewpoints offer one of the best views of Erfurt, with the cathedral and São Severo in the foreground and the old town roofs in the background.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 2 hours, including the walk along the bastions. The guided visit to the tunnels has its own duration; check with the visitor centre.
Best time
Late afternoon is best to see the cathedral lit by the low sun. Guided visits to the tunnels follow their own schedule; check the dates before you go.
How to get there
From the Domplatz, walk up paths and steps behind the cathedral in 10–15 minutes. Visitors with reduced mobility should consult the visitor centre about step-free access.
Tip
Start at the Kommandantenhaus, where the visitor centre is, to pick up a map and check the times for the Horchgänge tours. Bring a jacket: the tunnels are cold even in summer.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zitadelle Petersberg
Can the fortress tunnels be visited?
Yes, the Horchgänge are visited on public guided tours on set dates. Check the schedule at the visitor centre.
Is the climb difficult?
It's a short climb with stairs and ramps from the Domplatz. It takes 10 to 15 minutes at a relaxed pace.
Which is the best viewpoint?
The bastions facing the Domplatz show the cathedral and São Severo head-on, with the old town behind.
What is the Peterskirche?
It is the Romanesque church of the former Benedictine monastery, built between 1103 and 1147, the oldest building of the fortress. Today it hosts art exhibitions.