Augsburg Things to Do

Where?

At Im Annahof, a short walk to the west of Rathausplatz

What?

Ok, so the Church of St. Anne (a former monastery built in 14th-15th centuries) is not the most visually striking church in Augsburg, but there is plenty to see inside:

- Fugger chapel (the burial place of Jacob Fugger)
- Goldsmiths' chapel with 14th century frescoes
- Reformation museum (convent rooms where Luther used to stay)
- Stuccoed ceiling
- Paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder

Where?

On Hoher Weg, about quarter of a mile north from the Rathausplatz

What?

This is probably one of the oldest Cathedrals in Germany, having been started in the 10th century - so much so that it's in Romanesque style (as opposed to, say, Gothic of the Cathedral in Cologne). It did get a Gothic makeover later, but the core is still Romanesque.

The present Cathedral is a rebuild of an older one that stood on exactly the same spot in the 8th century.

Don't miss the many treasures including:

- a number of fine frescoes including works by Hans Holbein the Elder
- a Romanesque Madonna
- what's said to be Germany's oldest stained glass window featuring 4 prophets. It's an original (which you don't always get) and dates back to the 12th century
- doors with fine Old Testament scenes in bronze (these are a recent copy, the original was another somewhat later addition to the original structure, built in the 14th century)
- sarcophagus of Konrad and Afra Hirn in the north transept (15th century)

Where?

On the Rathausplatz, next to the Town Hall itself

What?

In the Middle Ages the Perlachturm, or Perlach Tower, served as a guard tower. Now it has a much more peaceful purpose - in fact, it's one of the best photographic spots in the town.

Keep in mind though that it's open pretty much only from May to October, with occasional weekend openings.

Where?

On Rathausplatz, about half a mile from the railway station

What?

Rathaus is the Town Hall, built in the first quarter of the 17th century and complete with two spires, each topped off by an onion dome.

The roof also features Augsburg's emblem - a pine cone about 12 feet high (hence the tip title!)

Don't miss the Goldener Saal inside with it's frescoed and gilded ceiling

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The little garden inside the complex of the Bishop's Residence has been turned into a public park.
The original garden was planned by Johann C. Bagnato in 1739-1744. The 18th century pillars and fence, sculptures and gates are still there. garden itself has been redesigned.
The small park is a cosy and quiet refuge that invites to rest and relax on a chair or on the lawns.

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The Bishop's residence next to the cathedral is a huge complex that consists of several wings that were added over centuries. Most of the buildings show the baroque style, these were erected in the late 17th and 18th century. The outer courtyard, called Fronhof, is surrounded by economy and administration buildings while the part next to the cathedral contains the residential quarters. While the cathedral has preserved its medieval style to show its tradition, the Bishops wanted modern housing in contemporary style and turned their residence into a baroque palace. The irregular ground plan shows that this wasn't one big project but grew in the long run.

The Fuggerei’s newest sight is the exhibition in the World War II bunker which has been opened in summer 2008. It shows the fate of the Fuggerei and its residents during the Third Reich, the destructions caused by allied air raids and the post-war rebuilding.

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Mittlere Gasse 13 is the only house of the Fuggerei where the original construction is preserved. The apartment on the ground floor contains historical furniture and offers an impression how housing in the Fuggerei originally was like. Next-door house No. 14 hosts a small exhibition about the Fugger family, the foundation and the history of the Fuggerei.