Augsburg

Augsburg is the third largest city in Bavaria. It flourished as a Free Imperial City and trade hub.

The history of Augsburg is inextricably tied to the Fugger family. Jakob Fugger, known as "the Rich," may have been in richest man in history. He lived from 1459-1525, and during that period Augsburg became a manufacturing hub.

The Fuggers founded the Fuggerei, a social housing complex, in the 1500s. It still costs 88 cents a year to live there; you just need to be Catholic and say three prayers a day!

Augsburg was founded in 15 B.C. and named after Emperor Augustus. Roman ruins are often unearthed here; these are from the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D.

Augsburg's medieval canal system is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some of the buildings have odd supports.

Despite damage during World War II, some opulence survives.

There are some interesting painted buildings in Augsburg.

Augsburg Cathedral was founded in the 11th century. The patron saints of Augsburg are Saints Simpert, Ulrich, and Afra, all of whom resided in Augsburg.

St. Ulrich was the first saint to be canonized by the Pope, and in the 900s greatly contributed to Augsburg's protection and splendor.

Augsburg Cathedral has a lot of interesting art styles.

The Augsburg Cathedral bronze doors are from the 11th century, but no one is sure where they were made.

Pretty pagan...

When Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, died, copies of his funerary regalia were sent to Augsburg. Many wealthy citizens of Augsburg contributed to his life's successes.

The Bishop of Augsburg's ring and crosier are 1000 years old.