Augsburg - Imperial German Town
A Middle Ages Trading Centre Near Munich Founded by the Romans
Ofter overshadowed by Bavarians towns such as Rothenburg and Nuremberg, Augsburg has much to offer visitors. Sights to see include the town hall and the famous Fuggerei.
Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, Augsburg was, during the Middle Ages, a centre of trade. Two powerful merchant families lived here – the Fuggers and the Welsers. Reminders of this prosperity abound in this delightful town in the form of warehouses and decorated palaces. Signs of its Roman origins appear as various statues and the name of the main boulevard – Maximilianstrasse.
Fuggerei
The Fuggers provided for townspeople by building an enclave of small houses which families could rent for one Rhenish Gilder – and three prayers a day, That same rent, and some of the old rules – such as being home by 10 p.m. – still stand today for those who enjoy living in this suburb with its trees, gardens and fountains. The apartments have been modernised, and it's a beautiful peaceful picturesque area with the houses joined together in long rows. It's possible to enter a couple of the apartments set aside as museums to display how people lived in 16th century.
Goldener Saal and View of the City
Pride of place in the city goes to the twin towered Rathaus – town hall. A pine cone, Augsburg’s symbol, can be seen at the top of the building. Don't miss the Goldener Saal – Golden Hall – recently renovated with gold leaf and plenty of frescos. Check at the door to make sure it isn't closed for public or private functions.
For a great view of the view, climb to the top of the tower next door.
Religious Treasures
Dating back to the 11th century, the Dom is filled with many treasures, including medieval frescos, a crypt, an altar from the 12th century, and stained glass windows. St Anna Church has the chapel where Jacob Fugger and his brother are buried. Martin Luther also visited Augsburg. As well, there’s an Art Nouveau style synagogue dating from the early 1900s.
Maximilianstrasse
The most impressive street in Augsburg is Maximilianstrasse. It's lined with wonderfully ornamented Baroque and Rococo mansions and palaces, giving an insight into how the wealthy families of the past lived. Some of these dwellings now house museums and galleries.
Side Streets and Shop Signs
There are plenty of architectural pleasures in the side streets. Remember to look up – some of the imaginative shop signs are worth seeing. There's a delightful fruit, vegetable and flower market, and lovers of literature will want to pay a visit to Bertolt Brecht’s house. The famous German playwright was born here.
Puppet Theatre
For the young and the young at heart, don't miss the Augsburger Puppenkiste – the Marionette theatre at Spitalgasse 15. It's a mixture of a theatre, and a museum of the craft of puppet making. There are delightful displays of some of the sets used in the stories, and throughout the museum seating areas are provided where films of various plays are continually shown. If you want to see a live performance, book it advance, as they are very popular. If you miss out, DVDs of performances of modern and classic tales are for sale.
Tours
The best way to learn about this Middle Ages town is to take the walking tour offered by the tourist office, or just pick up one of the maps and wander around yourself. It's a very relaxed town, and not as crowded as some of the other nearby centres. It's one hour from Munich, and the Romantic Road bus, going to Rothenburg, stops at the railway station. The town also has ties to Jaszbereny in Hungary.
