The historic roots of the St. Peter Stiftskulinarum stretch back a long way into history. This location shrouded in legend is one of the oldest walls in Salzburg. Yes, even Faust is said to have visited the “Stiftskeller” (abbey cellar), as it was then known, in person.
The Stiftskulinarum is situated in the heart of Salzburg old town in the monastery complex of the Benedictine archabbey of St. Peter. In the year 803, the St. Peter “abbey cellar” was mentioned in the records for the first time by Alcuin of York, a courtier of Charlemagne. In the 11th century, the focus was on the wine trade: Leopold VI the Glorious took the monastery of St. Peter under his protection and permitted the export of 40 wagon loads of wine from Austria per year and made a promise. It was in 1517 that Abbot Wolfgang Walcher built a rock cellar with access to the abbey court.
The excavated rocks were used in the construction of the mill at the abbey bakery. In 1527 the abbot had Chillian Pitricher the wine cellar extended by a second rock cellar. Waggoners and craftsmen received a “wine penny” or “house drink” for their work. So a wine tavern gradually turned into a hotel. In the years soon after 1900 Abbot Willibald Hauthaler began to renovate the Peter cellar – it was at this time that the “Willibald Arcades” were also built. So step by step the rooms were adapted to the requirements of the times – so it’s a place whose walls are sure to be hiding more than one exciting story.
1200 year tradition…
Founded in 803 AD
The St Peter Stiftskeller is mentioned for the first time in a document by the scholar Alcuin who was a liegeman of Charlemagne – our restaurant is therefore considered the oldest inn in Europe.
1300
The St Peter Stiftskeller enters the history of literature thanks to the late 14th century poet and composer, the Monk of Salzburg.
1510
The cellar area is significantly extended – Faust knows it to be a place of quality.
1720
The Stiftskeller changes – patrons now include nobility, clergy and the emerging middle classes.
1763
Michael Haydn is a resident of the Stiftskeller’s top floor.
1803
The Stiftskeller acquires the right to brew and serve beer. Prior to this, the Stiftskeller’s padres were only allowed to serve their own wines.
1809
French troops are given quarters in the Stiftskeller during the Napoleonic wars.
1903
About Willibald Hauthaler oversees the construction of the Baroque Hall and expansion of the »Willibaldhöhle«.
1918
The monastery cellar is looted during the First World War.
1992
The first lease agreement in the history of St Peter Stiftskeller is signed. 25-year-old Claus Haslauer is the tenant who takes on this challenge.
1996
World première of the famous Mozart Dinner Concerts in the historic Baroque Hall. These have since enjoyed great popularity and are performed daily.
1999
Veronika Kirchmair-Haslauer begins to update and redesign the restaurant’s interiors.
2003
The Stiftskeller celebrates its 1200th anniversary.
2008
The kitchen and taproom of the St. Peter Stiftskeller will be brought up to the latest state of the art in an extensive conversion.
2010
St Paul Soul Food Catering joins the St Peter Stiftskeller family. This highly successful catering concept focuses on individuality, exclusivity and professional service for every event.
2013
Redesign of the Willibaldhöhle and the arcade courtyard.
2014
Sous vide and charcoal barbecue are added to the St. Peter Stiftskeller repertoire.
2017
The St. Peter Stiftskeller has been renamed »St. Peter Stiftskulinarium« and is awarded with two Toques by Gault Millau
2020
From May, two restaurant concepts are offered in the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium: The international fine dining cuisine of the ACHTHUNDERT&DREI, as well as the austrian Mediterranean oriented PETER.
2021
Awarding of the “Salzburger Landeswappen” to the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium as an award for outstanding achievements in the special interest of the state.
Art is long!
And our lives are short
Vers 558 f. / Faust