This list of recommended places to visit in Augsburg helps you explore one of the oldest cities in Germany. Augsburg has a population of over two hundred thousand citizens, making the city among the largest in Germany. The Romans built the city around the year 15BC and since then the city has become an important trade town in Europe.
The most significant period in the city’s history was during the time when banking families comprising of the Fugger and Welser accumulated a lot of wealth, which lead to the development of the Renaissance-style buildings which the city is known for. This can be found on the Northern side of Alps, the magnificent estate of the Fugger family and the city hall.
One thing you will find interesting about the city is the proliferation of Renaissance art. This can be seen in places of worship and art exhibitions. In ancient times, the city had been submerging in a quagmire of disputes owing to deceits and misrepresentation, but the culture of fine art and good music that the city has to offer was untainted.
These are what tourists should look forward to.
The Fuggerei
The town called Fuggerei is an interesting town to visit, you will find so many picturesque ancient homes that were built to cater for poor people who were members of the Catholic church. It was built in 1521 due to Jakob Fugger’s (a wealthy merchant and banker) vision for home districts that are affordable for the impoverished. It would interest you to know that the building still inhabited to this day. It is the oldest of all the welfare scheme in the world.
Residents in the Fuggerei town pay about one euro (less than five hundred naira) yearly, in addition to praying thrice a day. The town also owns a first-class museum and a bunker that was used in the second world war, which is accessible to visitors. Another place of wonder opened to visitors is the Fugger palace which was built in the 15th century, with its original gorgeous inner courts designed in the Renaissance way.
The town remains the most famous place in Augsburg.
Augsburger Puppenkiste
Beginning in 1948, Augsburger Puppenkiste has become one of the most celebrated puppet show in Germany, due to the creative adaptions of a lot of fairy story from kiddies books. The combination of both modern and classic performances of these classics is something that even non-German adults and children will easily relish.
These creative string puppets that are filled with imaginative energy will create a nice atmosphere of awe, fun, and laughter for you.
Augsburg Cathedral
Augsburg cathedral is another historical place of interest in Augsburg. It combines both the great beauty of the Romanesque architecture and the enchanting airiness of the Gothic era. The dominant style you will find in the building is the Gothic architecture which dates back to the 1400s.
Another amazing part of the building is the southern portal which consists of series of rich sculptural artwork finished in the mid-1300s, they all contain depictions of biblical scenes from the Virgin’s birth to the gospel of Jesus and the lives of his disciples.
With doors made of bronze, coloured-stained glasses and eccentric altarpiece, the church possesses abundant artworks to feed your eye.
The Augsburger Rathaus and Golden Hall
Right in the centre of the city of Augsburg is the Rathaus, or Townhall in English. It is a building of great Renaissance architecture like many other buildings in Augsburg. In the past, it was a symbol of power and wealth. It was known for its striking interior, with spectacular designs.
Each part of the building has an aura of Augsburg’s rich cultural past, from large marble ceiling to allegorical paintings. Worthy of your interest is the 70-metres high Perlachturm, a high tower built in the late 1600s, which gives an impressive, bird-eye view of the city.
St Anne’s Church
The St. Anne church played an important role in the reformation of Christendom as it was originally a monastery. It is wildly known as the first Renaissance church in Germany. It comprises of many treasures assemblage, coupled with the important Fuggerkapelle, an important tombstone of Jakob Fugger decorated with beautiful vault and enigmatic stained glass.
Towards the beginning of the 15th century, it became a temporary abode of Martin Luther during his meeting with the Pope envoy, where he defended his belief.
Years later, the church shed off it’s Catholic affiliation, it became Lutheran. Some of the rooms have been converted into Lutherstiege, a musuem-like exhibition centre about the life of Martin Luther and the reformation.
Maximilianstrasse and the Maximilian Museum
Located in the centre of Augsburg, the Maximilian street or the Maximilianstrasse has been in existence since the days of the old Roman. It served as a nexus trade route connecting Rome to Germany. A walk along this beautiful road will lead you to a number of historically significant monuments and places including the Maximilian Museum which displays the spectacular art, culture and history of the people of Augsburg.
In the museum, you will find artwork and sculpture made by goldsmith and rich paintings that showcase the rich history of the town.
Augsburg Botanical Gardens and Zoo
The Augsburg Botanical Gardens is the city botanic garden spanning up to more than 20 acres, an appropriate place for a nice stroll. You will find beautiful garden including the rose garden, the crop garden amongst others. Up to about 3,500 species of plants, herbs, and pteridophyte can be found in the garden. Other plants of scientific interests are the Cactus, tropophyte and the sage gardens.
Just close by is the Zoo which boasts of over two thousand animals worldwide and up to 300 species of animals including birds, insects, amphibians, and mammals. It is a great place for animal-lovers, you will find seals playing while being fed, proud peacocks roaming, penguin taking a swim, giraffes grabbing a bite from the leaf above, zebra and their numerous stripes. Prepare to be captivated by this zoo. You will be marvelled by the wild beasts, the big cats and the wild goats.