Augsburg

Augsburg is one of the oldest settlements in Europe. It was founded more than 20 centuries ago, where the beautiful rivers Lech and Wertach merge. The antiquity of the city is anchored in its name, coming from the name of the Roman settlement of 15 BC Augusta Vindelicorum. Augsburg, with Trier and Kempten, are the three oldest cities in Germany.

Augsburg is located in southwest Bavaria. This is the hometown of the legendary Leopold Mozart. The house in which he was born and spent part of his childhood today is a museum (Mozart Haus).

In Augsburg, there are many well-preserved medieval buildings, interesting museums and historical monuments.

The emblem of the Bavarian town is the building of City Hall. The building was built in the period 1615 – 1620, to make the most magnificent secular Renaissance building north of the Alps. The scale of the building and its posture are breath-taking. During the air raids in 1944, city Hall had seriously deteriorated, however, then local architects failed to resume its repatriation. In honour of the anniversary of the 2000th birthday of Augsburg, in and the interior of the building was completely renovated.

Near City Hall tower is Perlachturm. This beautiful building rises 70 meters high and serves as a time reference point for locals and tourists. The original tower was built in the 10th century, today the building is considered one of the main sights of Augsburg . Each year on September 29, for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, children of Augsburg all gather around the tower to celebrate the religious event. On that day, every hour the clock tower opens a small door, from which come out two figures. Thus, under the accompaniment of bells, Michaels pierces the Dragon. 261 steps lead to the top of the tower, which reveals a great view.

The St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Abbey is another historic sight at Augsburg. It is in the south end of old town. It dates from the 8th century. The temple is like a template for all the other Baroque churches in Bavaria.

The building of the local theatre of Augsburg is also one of the architectural masterpieces of the German city. This white building was erected in 1876

On Maximilianstrasse are three magnificent fountain called Augsburg`s Monumental Fountains. Built in honour of the anniversary of the 1600th year of Augsburg.

In 1516, Jacob Fuger built complex of houses in which travellers or locals could stay. Today, several centuries later, the site continues to perform the same functions. This is the oldest operational holiday complex in the world. Over the years, it has formed a kind of neighbourhood, with its own churches and shops.

Fans of extreme sports can also find interesting entertainment in town. In Augsburg is the first artificial Eiskanal, in waters which carry canoe diving gear and inflatable boats .

An interesting detail is that Augsburg is the only city in Germany, which commemorates an additional public holiday. Every year on August 8, Augsburg is at rest. Then is the official celebration of the Bavarian town’s existence.

Augsburg is the third largest city in Bavaria, after Munich and Nuremberg. Its population is 264 000 people.