Affectionately known as Alte Peter (Old Peter), St. Peter's Church is the oldest in the city of Munich. Built in 1180, the church has had a turbulent and interesting past but is still a favorite tourist attraction and is fondly admired by locals as well.
Built on the same site where 8th century monks had established a monastery, Peterskirche was designed in the Romanesque style. The monks had called this area Peterbergl, or Peter's Hill, so a similar name was given to the church. The same monks also gave the city its current name, as München is derived from Mönch, the German word for monk.The mostly-wooden church stood for only 150 years before a fire totally destroyed the structure. During the next 40 years (1328-1368), the church was reconstructed, with many Gothic motifs added.