Basilica of St. Ulrich and Afra — Attraction in Augsburg

After hearing much about this church from my father who grew up and served as an altar boy 🙌🏼here, I had to finally experience it for myself when I went back to Augsburg w family, to family after Dad's passing. It was an early Sunday morning brisk walk, and large creaky door was unlocked so I looked around on a bit of a self-directed tour. It started in 1012 as the Benedictine abbey of Saints Ulrich and Afra. You'll find much info of local history behind the name(s) as well. But part of said tour ahem-included getting lost in a basement tier for awhile - among olde crypts with wall torches in amongst a maze of small adjoining rooms - some w low open doorways. It was an entirely different world from the upper Church, that more than demanded my reverence. The 'basement' tier of what I got to see that day gave that whole perception of stepping out of a time-machine if you will - of virtually 1000 years ago so much so, it was almost palpable. This being just a smidgeon of that morning's whole experience that had me gasping as it took my breath away. It's hauntingly beautiful. If you're there you must see it. And almost around the corner, what turned out to be the oldest doll house furniture & accoutrements place found me! Housed in a well-kept privately owned store that I was surprised to find as I hurried back. Its modest yet fantasy-laden window beckoned, and could have easily swept me up for the afternoon too - but now I digress faaar off the mark (😶‍🌫️ a big 🇨🇦 sorry to you) Merely more tidbits that can't help but prove the beauty and history of Old Augsburg. This old church consists of 3 huge carved altars: the main high, the north and the south one. There's the tall wrought iron gating as you enter. It also long holds and maintains what continues to be known as the biggest pipe organ in the city, where regular organ concerts have long occurred and still do, the same one Mozart himself gave an impassioned performance on in 1777. A couple of small but not so diminutive, elaborately carved 'hooded' balconies perched here and there, and the central carved Rococo bishop's pulpit, painted vaulted ceilings, the old-World craftsmanship is everywhere you look. It represents at the very least as an elaborate example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. I always dreamed of seeing this Church as Dad would almost whisper stories of his youth and his admiration for its historical significance of both my parents' hometown. Unfortunately it had to be without him but at least I did eventually get to see the place I heard so much about. Do yourself the favour of a lifetime and if the opportunity presents itself, go without rushing and bask in its art, and in its somewhat humbling effect from its history of some extremes. If you're anything like me - and even if you're not, you'll surely...

A very historic and famous church in the beautiful city of Augsburg. The church received a beautiful altar wall with many statues including the Salvific Mysteries. Beneath the altar is a mausoleum, which is open to visitors. To the left of the altar is a chapel, and many ancient icons, some of ours covered with silver leaf. Got a beautiful piano. Always a lot of visitors and...

One of the main churches in Augsburg. A beautiful Gothic style basilica holding the largest organ in the city. An impressive altar showcasing the marvellous German architecture of the period with delicately carved sculptures. The pulpit is new. This church holds an important place in the history here and is adored by the residents of Augsburg. It is worth the...