St. Peter – the Oldest Parish Church in Zurich

The St. Peter church in Zurich has the largest church clock face in Europe. Until 1911, the church tower was used as a fire watch post.

St. Peter’s Church is the oldest parish church in Zurich. The original foundation walls from the 9th century are still visible under the choir.

The city’s first mayor, Rudolf Brun, acquired St. Peter's in 1345 with all the associated privileges and obligations. His grave and monument can be found by the outer tower wall. The first reformed pastor, Leo Jud (1523-1542), was a friend of Zwingli and contributed to the first translation of the Bible in Zurich. J.C. Lavater was pastor from 1778-1801. His gravestone can be seen in the church wall.

The church clock face measures 8.7meters (25.5 ft) in diameter. There are five bells dating from 1880 in the tower – the largest of which weighs over six tons without its clapper.

At St. Peter's, church music concerts are held regularly.

Zeigersprung und Wunderklang
This guided tour focuses on the striking clock, installed in 1366, and the internationally renowned bells dating from 1880. The tour takes place in July only and is conducted in German and English. Further information and booking options can be found here.

Opening Hours

Monday
8.00am – 6.00pm
Tuesday
8.00am – 6.00pm
Wednesday
8.00am – 6.00pm
Thursday
8.00am – 6.00pm
Friday
8.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday
10.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday
11.00am – 5.00pm

Address

Distance Travel time
Zürich Main Station 732 m 7 min
Zürich Airport 9.1 km 26 min
Kirche St. Peter
St.-Peter-Hofstatt
8001  Zürich