in the fore front is now Lutheran St.Ulrich
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Basilica of Sts. Ulrich and Afra Augsburg

4.7
·966 reviews·Augsburg, Germany

A millennium-old basilica in Augsburg, boasting stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, unique triple altars, and a captivating crypt.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Experience a service or quiet reflection.

CrowdMedium
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in the fore front is now Lutheran St.Ulrich

Basilica of Sts. Ulrich and Afra Augsburg

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Experience a service or quiet reflection.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A millennium-old basilica in Augsburg, boasting stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, unique triple altars, and a captivating crypt.

4.7
(966 reviews)

"A truly unique and historically rich basilica with a palpable sense of history, especially in its crypts."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Admission! 🎉

Entry to the basilica is free, making it an accessible historical gem for all visitors. :moneywithwings:

Photography Allowed 📸

Capture the stunning architecture and details; photography is permitted throughout the church. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Three Grand Altars

Three Grand Altars

Main sanctuary

Admire the three distinct, intricately carved altars at the front, a truly unique feature.

The Crypt

The Crypt

Below the main church

Step back in time in the hauntingly beautiful crypts, offering a palpable sense of history.

City's Largest Pipe Organ

City's Largest Pipe Organ

Main sanctuary

Experience the grandeur of the city's biggest pipe organ, once played by Mozart.

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Planning Your Visit

Check for Renovations

The main part of the church is currently covered in scaffolding, but it remains open to visitors. Always check for the latest updates before your visit to avoid surprises.

Embrace the History

This basilica dates back to 1012 as a Benedictine abbey. Explore its crypts and learn about its significance, including coronations of Roman German emperors.

Best Times

When
Sunday mornings
Why
Experience a service or quiet reflection.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds for peaceful exploration.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You are all welcome to visit our church! #orthodox #rocor #augsburg #welcome #church #orthodoxchristian #christianboy #orthodoxtiktok #orthodoxy #orthodoxe #orthodoxie #рпцз #аугсбург #православие
@rocor.augsburg
18.3K likes • 118.9K views

Free Admission! 🎉

Entry to the basilica is free, making it an accessible historical gem for all visitors. :moneywithwings:

Photography Allowed 📸

Capture the stunning architecture and details; photography is permitted throughout the church. :camerawithflash:

Explore the Crypts 🗝️

Don't miss the chance to explore the ancient crypts for a unique historical perspective. :flashlight:

Listen for the Bells 🔔

Try to time your visit to hear the impressive church bells ring out over the city. :bell:

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! 🎉

Entry to the basilica is free, making it an accessible historical gem for all visitors. :moneywithwings:

Photography Allowed 📸

Capture the stunning architecture and details; photography is permitted throughout the church. :camerawithflash:

Explore the Crypts 🗝️

Don't miss the chance to explore the ancient crypts for a unique historical perspective. :flashlight:

Listen for the Bells 🔔

Try to time your visit to hear the impressive church bells ring out over the city. :bell:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(966 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the basilica's immense interior, unique triple altars, and the fascinating historical crypts, all accessible for free. While renovations may be ongoing, the grandeur and historical significance are consistently highlighted, making it a must-visit for its art, architecture, and palpable sense of history. Some find the crypts to be a particularly memorable, albeit somber, experience.

"The main part of the church is covered in scaffolding but it is still open.
The church has a huge interior and it is free to visit. Photography is permitted at all places. The three separate alters at the front are quite unique IMO. Well worth a visit."

Nigel Watts

"Really interesting piece of history in Augsburg old town. This is a well designed building looking fantastic from the outside and although I did not have time to go inside, I am sure it is just as amazing from inside with really good designs.
If you like taking photos of old and historical buildings, this is one to visit. Try also taking a video when the church bell sounds."

Phil Tad

"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 never forget it!"

* KimiW *

What People Like

Free admission
Unique triple altars
Historical crypts

What People Dislike

Ongoing renovations

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The basilica is located in the heart of Augsburg's old town, making it easily accessible by public transport. Several tram lines stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from the main train station. :train2: :bus: Reddit

Parking in the old town can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or park in a designated city garage and walk. :car: :parking:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the main part of the basilica is free of charge. Donations are welcome to help with upkeep. :ticket:

The basilica is generally open daily, but hours can vary, especially on Sundays due to services. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most current times. :clock1:

While the main floor is generally accessible, some areas like the crypts may have stairs. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility before your visit. :wheelchair:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Yes, photography is permitted throughout the church, allowing you to capture its stunning architecture and details. :camerawithflash: Reddit

Visitors often highlight the three large, intricately carved altars, the impressive pipe organ, and the historical crypts as standout features. :star2: Reddit

The exterior architecture is also noteworthy, with its Gothic foundations and distinctive bell tower. Keep an eye out for any ongoing renovations that might be visible. :building_construction:

While self-guided exploration is common, inquire at the church or local tourist office about potential guided tours for a deeper understanding of its history. :guide_dog:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the basilica is located in Augsburg's old town, which is filled with numerous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants offering traditional Bavarian and international cuisine. :coffee: :pretzel:

Generally, eating and drinking are not permitted inside religious sites to preserve their sanctity and cleanliness. Please consume food and beverages outside the church. :noentrysign:

📸 📸 Photography

The three altars, the pipe organ, the vaulted ceilings, and the crypts offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The exterior, especially the bell tower, is also a great subject. :camerawithflash: Reddit

While you can photograph the bell tower, capturing the bells in action might require being present when they ring. The sound itself is also a memorable experience. :bell:

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical buildings. It's best to assume it's not allowed unless explicitly permitted. :no_drone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the basilica is a place of worship and history, families can find elements to engage children. The sheer scale of the building and the impressive altars can capture young imaginations. Reddit The crypts, with their mysterious atmosphere, might also spark curiosity, though parental discretion is advised due to the potentially somber nature. Reddit Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow children to explore at their own pace. Remember that it's a place of worship, so maintaining a respectful demeanor is key.

📸 Photographers

The Basilica of Sts. Ulrich and Afra is a dream for photographers. The interplay of light and shadow within the vast interior, especially around the three grand altars and the pipe organ, offers endless compositions. Reddit Don't miss the opportunity to capture the intricate details of the vaulted ceilings and the unique atmosphere of the crypts. Reddit The exterior, with its Gothic architecture and bell tower, also provides excellent shots, particularly during the golden hours. Remember to be respectful of ongoing services and other visitors.

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, this basilica is a treasure trove. Its origins as a Benedictine abbey in the 11th century, its role in imperial coronations, and its connection to figures like Mozart make it a site of immense historical significance. Reddit Delving into the crypts offers a direct connection to the earliest layers of its past. Reddit Take time to read any available informational plaques or consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the depth of history contained within these walls.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Thousand Years of History

The Basilica of Sts. Ulrich and Afra boasts a history stretching back over a millennium, originally founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1012. This deep historical root is palpable, especially when exploring the ancient crypts. Visitors have described the crypts as an 'entirely different world,' offering a 'palpable' sense of stepping back nearly 1000 years. Reddit The basilica has also been a site of significant historical events, including the coronations of two Roman German emperors. Reddit

This rich past is reflected in its architecture, which showcases a blend of late Gothic interior design and Baroque elements. The church houses the relics of St. Afra and St. Ulrich, drawing pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. Reddit The sheer age and continuous use of the site contribute to its profound atmosphere, making it more than just a building, but a living testament to centuries of faith and history in Augsburg.

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures

The basilica is renowned for its impressive architectural features and artistic embellishments. The interior is dominated by three massive, elaborately carved altars – the main high altar, and the north and south altars – which are considered a unique and striking aspect of the church's design. Reddit Look up to admire the painted vaulted ceilings and the 'old-World craftsmanship' evident throughout. Reddit

Adding to its grandeur is the city's largest pipe organ, an instrument with a storied past, having hosted a performance by none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1777. Reddit You'll also find ornate details like 'hooded' balconies and a central carved Rococo bishop's pulpit. Reddit Even with ongoing renovations, the basilica's artistic and architectural significance shines through, offering a feast for the eyes for any admirer of historical design.

Exploring the Crypts: A Journey Below

A visit to the Basilica of Sts. Ulrich and Afra is incomplete without descending into its crypts. These underground chambers offer a stark contrast to the grandeur of the upper church, providing an intimate and somewhat eerie glimpse into the past. Reddit Described as a 'maze of small adjoining rooms' with 'wall torches,' the crypts evoke a powerful sense of stepping out of time. Reddit

This subterranean level is where the basilica's earliest history is most keenly felt. The atmosphere is often described as 'hauntingly beautiful,' offering a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Reddit It's a space that demands reverence and contemplation, allowing you to connect with the centuries of history that lie beneath the surface of this magnificent church.

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