Standing on a rocky outcrop above the confluence of the Ruhr and the Lenne, the sandstone church is one of the most noticeable landmarks in the area.

The original church, described as a basilica, is documented in the Annals of Lorsch as early as 776, making it the oldest in Dortmund and probably in Westphalia.

In the presence of Charlemagne and other dignitaries, the Pope dedicated the church to St. Peter, the patron saint of the Carolingians.

[2][4] In the spring of 1945, at the end of World War II, the church was badly damaged by a bomb which completely destroyed the nave.

The simple cross in white Carrara marble, the oldest artefact in the church, can therefore be dated to the end of the 16th century.

Eine Liebesgeschichte rund um die Kirche St. Peter zu Syburg und Haus Villigst.

[7] On an initiative of Willi Gundlach, conductor of the Kammerchor der Universität Dortmund (chamber choir of the University of Dortmund), guest artists have included Martin Blindow, who played the first concert at the new organ on 10 May 1998, the Alsfelder Vokalensemble, conducted by Wolfgang Helbich, organist Heinz Wunderlich, and the VokalEnsemble Köln, conducted by Max Ciolek.