This southern Bavarian college city is one of Germany’s oldest cities and is known for its striking architecture and rich history.
Augsburg was originally founded in 15 B.C. on the orders of Roman Emperor Augustus. The city was considered a tactically sound military location because it was ideally situated between the Lech and Wertach Rivers, close to many passes through the mountains. It prospered under Roman rule, and although it was attacked on a number of occasions, it grew after each setback.
See the Town Hall and many other sites that are important to the city’s role as an administrative center. Notice the building’s Renaissance style, which was an architectural masterpiece at the time of its completion in 1620. It was the first building in the world to be built more than six stories high. Explore Golden Hall within the building, which is extravagantly decorated in extensive gold inlay and murals. From there, head to nearby Perlachturm, a 10th-century watchtower, also known for its distinguished architecture.
The Schaezlerpalais is an extravagantly decorated Baroque palace. Wander through its courtyards, gardens and ballrooms and visit the Deutsche Barockgalerie, an art gallery housed inside the palace. The artwork displayed in the gallery comes from private lenders and focuses on the Baroque period.
There are a number of churches to see across the city. The Cathedral of Augsburg, founded in the 11th century, is a Romanesque and Gothic style building and is one of the city’s main attractions, along with the Basilica of St. Ulrich and Afra.
Visit Fuggerei, considered to be one of the world’s first housing projects for needy citizens. The group of houses is still in use today. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s great-grandfather lived on the estate and is commemorated by a nearby plaque.
Augsburg is a college city, home to both the University of Augsburg and the Hochschule Augsburg. The lively nightlife reflects this, with students flocking to pubs, the local brewery and a walking street filled with small shops. A number of beer gardens and dance clubs in the city also serve the college students of the area.
