The ruins of St. Peter – the oldes Chirch from Tyrol
High above Lake Caldaro and near the Rastenbach Gorge, on the hill of St. Peter, lie the ruins of St. Peter. These ruins still preserve remains of an originally three-aisled basilica dating back to the 4th–6th century AD, making it presumably the oldest church in South Tyrol and one of the oldest in Tyrol. It was first mentioned in the so-called Vigilius Letter in 1191. Today, visitors can still see ancient walls, remnants of a vaulted apse, and a stone foundation. Measuring 17.24 m by 13.4 m, the basilica’s architectural form recalls churches in Aquileia and Milan.
The church remained the destination of the Way of the Cross, which led from St. Anton in Caldaro to the church, until the second half of the 18th century. In 1782, however, it was closed under Emperor Joseph II and began to fall into ruin. Outside the church walls, there is a hollow in the rock whose origin is unclear and subject to various interpretations.
To visit the ruins of St. Peter, one must follow the Peace Trail through the Rastenbach Gorge to reach the 7th station. In the immediate vicinity of the ruins stands the medieval curate church of St. Vigilius. From the “Klotzbank” viewpoint in Altenburg, one can also enjoy a view of the ruins. In the lower apse of the basilica, remnants of frescoes are still visible, depicting the 12 Apostles and the Last Judgment, the latter created in the 15th century by Master Thomas Egnolt from St. Pauls.
Arrival
On foot (from the house): Follow the road towards Altenburgerhof and continue to St. Peter’s Church. The trail starts from there.
On foot (from St. Anton): From the St. Anton sports area, the Peace Trail (trail no. 11) leads to Altenburg. Alternatively, from St. Josef, take trail no. 1 through the Rastenbach Gorge to Altenburg.
By car: From the center of Caldaro, follow the road to the St. Anton district, pass the St. Anton sports area, and continue along the main road to the district of Altenburg. Parking is available at the Altenburgerhof restaurant in Altenburg.
By bus: Bus connection to Altenburg (www.sii.bz.it)
