St. Peter Church, Mainz

Saint Peter's Church (Peterskirche) in Mainz stands as one of the city's most important Rococo structures, located beneath Deutschhaus in the northwest of Mainz's historical center. Originally a collegiate monastery known as "Saint Peter before the walls" and dating back to the 10th century, it was dedicated to the apostle Peter. Today, it serves as a parish church for Saint Peter.

The current baroque structure, a three-bay hall with a double onion dome tower, was designed by architect Johann Valentin Thoman and completed in 1762. Over the years, the church witnessed significant historical changes. During the French occupation in 1813, the building was turned into a stable. Later, under the Prussian garrison’s control from 1816 to 1918, it became a garrison church.

Saint Peter’s endured significant damage during World War II, surviving an initial air raid in 1942 but suffering severe destruction in subsequent attacks. In February 1945, the church’s tower façade was lost, and the nave burned out. Temporary repairs allowed the community to use it by 1952, and a full restoration was completed in 1961, including the reconstruction of the iconic twin towers.

Despite the heavy damage, some elements, like the grand baroque altars, stucco decoration, and Johannes Förster’s remarkable pulpit, survived. However, the original organ, ceiling frescoes by Joseph Ignaz Appiani from 1755, and choir stalls were lost. During its post-war restoration (1973–1989), new ceiling frescoes were created by Karl Manninger, based on old photographs.

A modern altar by Gernot Rumpf was added, symbolizing Saint Peter as the "fisher of men," featuring a playful representation of fish turning into people. This altar, along with the ambo and Paschal candle, adds a contemporary touch to the church’s storied past. A bronze statue of Father Franz Adam Landvogt, a former pastor, was placed in the crypt in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his passing.