Petersberg Citadel
Above the old town of Erfurt rises the Petersberg Citadel - one of the largest and only largely preserved baroque city fortresses in Central Europe. Star-shaped, it was considered the most modern fortification of the time and impregnable. Since 1990 it has been reconstructed with great attention to detail and at great expense.
Important personalities are associated with the history of the citadel:
The master builder
Maximilian von Welsch (1671-1745) played a key role in the planning and expansion of Petersberg Citadel. Under his direction, extensive fortifications were built, making the fortress one of the most modern of its time.
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) stayed in the city in 1808 during the Erfurt Congress of Princes. The citadel played an important role in the military planning of the time.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) visited Erfurt several times and was impressed by the fortress architecture of the citadel. He described his impressions in his diaries and letters.
During a visit to the citadel, you can explore the new exhibition in the commandant's house as well as the listening passages in the strong walls of the fortress or simply enjoy the fantastic view over the old town. As the crown of the city, the Petersberg has shaped the cityscape of the Thuringian state capital for centuries and is a popular destination for Erfurt residents as well as their guests to linger and explore.
To ensure that as many sections of the Petersberg Citadel as possible are available to all guests, access to the fortress grounds has been redesigned. Thus, a passenger elevator on the fortress wall to the upper plateau facilitates the ascent. Also the panorama path, which starts at the cathedral square, makes it possible to reach the citadel independently and without further aids.
Distance to Public Transport
600 Meters ( Streetcar )
Parking Facilities near by
Bechtheimer Straße 1
99084 Erfurt
info@stadtwerke-erfurt.de
+49 361 5640
General Information
Seating Possibilities Rest Area Playground Play Corner Or Play Area InformationBoard Pets Allowed is Accessible for Free Public Access
Digital offers
App for Mobile Devices
Mobility offers
Bicycle Stands Bicycle Lockers
Accepted payment
Cash Payment EC Visa MasterCard
Sanitation
Toilets Disabled Toilets
Photography
TakingPicturesPermitted
Architecture
Baroque Romanesque Period
Offers
Exhibition in the Kommandantenhaus
in addition to the exhibition ticket
2 adults + 1 child (6-16 years)
2 adults + 2 to max. 4 children (6-16 years)
Family ticket C is valid if a family ticket has already been used for a guided tour of the listening galleries. This ticket can also be used on other days.
Up to three accompanying persons can visit the exhibition free of charge.
from 65 years
including 2 distillates
The listening tunnels in the Petersberg citadel were intended to protect the fortress from intruders. If the enemy had dug a tunnel into the mountain, the alarm was sounded to defend the citadel. How did the soldiers feel when they listened in the dark corridors along the walls? Follow our guides and learn interesting facts about the eventful history of this impressive building. You start at the Commandant's House visitor center. From there, you descend into the narrow, winding corridors with numerous steps. This tour is only partially suitable for people with limited mobility. We recommend sturdy shoes and warm clothing. The temperature in the listening corridors is around 10°C to 15°C all year round.
Children from 6-16 years
Children from 6-16 years
Family ticket C is valid if you have already visited the Kommandantenhaus with a family ticket. This ticket can also be used on other days Children from 6-16 years
Children aged 6 and over/pupils/students and severely disabled persons with ID
You may also find the following of interest
Guided tour over and through the Petersberg Citadel
Explore the passageways within the citadel’s formidable walls that were used to listen out for the enemy.
The Petersberg – an exciting journey through time
Explore the exhibition in the Commander‘s house with details of the citadel, its history and other parts of the fortifications.
Torchlight Tour of the Petersberg Citadel and Casemates
Experience an unusual guided evening tour of the passageways beneath Petersberg Fortress, with torches creating a special air of mystery.
