Road tripping in Germany - 6 - Augsburg

 At a distance of around 120 kms from Penzberg is the beautiful city of Augsburg so that was our next destination which took us about an hour and a half on the wonderful German roads with its disciplined driving.

Augsburg is a historic city located in the Bavaria region of southern Germany. It is the capital and largest city of the Augsburg district and is known for its rich history, culture, and economic significance. It is one of Germany's oldest cities, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. It was founded by the Romans in 15 BC and was originally known as Augusta Vindelicorum. The city played a significant role during the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages.

Augsburg is renowned for its role in the Renaissance period, as it was the home of the influential Fugger family, who were successful merchants and bankers. The Fugger family's wealth and influence left a lasting impact on the city, as seen in structures like the Fuggerei, a historic social housing complex.

The Augsburg Town Hall is a prime example of Renaissance architecture and is celebrated for its intricate and beautifully designed façade. It was constructed in the late 16th century, with the main architectural style being High Renaissance. The façade features ornate stucco decorations, statues, and detailed reliefs. 

Stadtmetzg - The trade guild house of the Butchers' Guild was constructed in 1609 in Rennaissance style. It featured an innovative system for keeping the meat cool and to dispose waste by guiding the ‘Vorderer Lech’ canal through the basement of the building. 

The Augustus fountain is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and sculpture. It was constructed in the early 17th century and designed in the style of the German Renaissance.  The fountain's central figure is a statue of Emperor Augustus (also known as Augustus Caesar), the first Roman Emperor. Augustus is depicted in imperial robes, holding a sceptre and orb, symbolizing his imperial power and authority. 

Rathausplatz is located in the heart of Augsburg's Old Town, making it easily accessible and a central point for exploring the city. 

St. Peter am Perlach, also known simply as St. Peter's Church (St. Peterkirche), is a historic church and has a long history, with the original church dating back to the 10th century. The current Baroque building was constructed in the 18th century. 

The Fuggerei is a historic social housing complex located in the city of Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. It was founded in 1516 by Jacob Fugger the Younger, a member of the Fugger family, who were successful German merchants and bankers during the Renaissance period. 

Statue of Jakob Fuggerei

The Fuggerei is notable for being one of the world's oldest social housing estates that is still in existence. It was established with the intention of providing affordable housing to those in need. The Fugger family's endowment specified that the rent for the residents should be one Rheinischer Gulden per year, as well as the requirement to recite three prayers daily for the Fugger family's well-being. 

Today, the Fuggerei continues to operate as a charitable housing complex. The annual rent is still only a symbolic amount, equivalent to the original one Rheinischer Gulden, which is about 0.88 euros. Residents of the Fuggerei are usually required to be of the Catholic faith and to meet certain eligibility criteria. The complex consists of 67 houses with 142 apartments, and it remains an important historical and cultural site in Augsburg.

That was the end of our wonderful visit to Augsburg and we headed back to Penzberg to drive onwards next day to Bühlertal.

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