St. Anne's Church, Augsburg

Church in Augsburg

CC BY-SA 4.0 / H.Helmlechner

Located in Augsburg's Old Town, St. Anne's Church stands as one of the top sights in Augsburg and a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture in Germany. Built by the powerful merchant Jakob Fugger in the late 16th century, this elegant church was originally a private chapel for the Fugger family, who were among Europe's wealthiest financiers. Its intricate façade, adorned with biblical scenes and mythological motifs, reflects both the family's faith and their humanist ideals — a perfect fusion of spirituality and artistic expression.

Today, St. Anne's Church is not only a place of worship but also a living museum of Augsburg's religious and cultural history. The church's ornate chapels, frescoed ceilings, and beautifully carved altars tell stories of devotion, artistry, and craftsmanship. For travelers exploring the Old Town, this is a highlight of any walking tour of Augsburg and an inspiring stop that bridges the sacred and the historical.

History and Significance of St. Anne’s Church
Things to See and Do in St. Anne’s Church
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting St. Anne’s Church
Is St. Anne’s Church Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions to St. Anne’s Church

History and Significance of St. Anne’s Church

The origins of St. Anne's Church date back to the 14th century, when it began as a Carmelite monastery. However, its transformation into a Renaissance gem came in the early 1500s, when Jakob Fugger — known as “Jakob the Rich” — commissioned its renovation as a family burial chapel. The Fugger family's influence can be seen throughout the structure, especially in the lavish Fugger Chapel, one of the earliest examples of Renaissance art and architecture north of the Alps.

The church played an important role during the Reformation. In 1518, Martin Luther stayed at the adjoining Carmelite monastery during his debates with the papal legate, marking St. Anne’s as a site of great historical significance for both Catholic and Protestant visitors. Over the centuries, the church evolved architecturally and spiritually, yet it has always remained a symbol of Augsburg’s blend of faith, commerce, and culture.

Things to See and Do in St. Anne’s Church

Inside St. Anne's, the Fugger Chapel immediately captures attention with its stunning marble tombs, frescoes, and reliefs depicting scenes from Christ's Passion. This is one of the things to do in Augsburg for lovers of Renaissance art and history, as the chapel is considered one of the most beautiful of its kind in Germany.

The main nave is lined with side chapels that showcase Baroque and Rococo altars, while the ceiling frescoes and stained-glass windows flood the interior with soft, colorful light. The church also houses the relics of St. Simpert, Augsburg’s first bishop, and a revered statue of St. Anne. Visitors can also explore the small Luther Room, where Martin Luther is said to have lodged during his stay in 1518 — a reminder of the church’s role in shaping Europe’s religious narrative. Concerts and cultural events are often held here, adding a vibrant contemporary dimension to this historic site.

How to Get There

St. Anne's Church is centrally located in Augsburg's Old Town, a short walk from Rathausplatz and the Perlachturm. From Augsburg Hauptbahnhof (main station), it's about a 10-minute walk or a short tram ride (Line 1 or 2 to “Moritzplatz”). Public parking is available nearby at the City-Galerie garage, though the church is best explored on foot as part of a stroll through the city's historic center.

Practical Tips on Visiting St. Anne’s Church

Best time to visit St. Anne’s Church: Morning or early afternoon for fewer crowds and the best natural light on the frescoes.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free; donations welcome for upkeep and restoration.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Official website: www.st-anna-augsburg.de
How long to spend: 30–45 minutes for a relaxed visit.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible via the main entrance.
Facilities: Restrooms and a small shop within the church complex.
Photography tip: Capture the contrast between the ornate façade and the cobbled streets of Augsburg’s Old Town.
Guided tours: Offered in multiple languages through the Augsburg Tourist Office.
Nearby food options: Several cafés and bakeries nearby on Annastraße, ideal for a coffee or pastry afterward.

Is St. Anne’s Church Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt. St. Anne's Church is one of the best places to visit in Augsburg, offering a blend of Renaissance artistry, spiritual serenity, and historical depth. Whether you're admiring the exquisite Fugger Chapel, tracing the footsteps of Martin Luther, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, the church provides a moving encounter with Augsburg's rich heritage.

Nearby Attractions to St. Anne’s Church

Augsburg Cathedral – A Romanesque-Gothic treasure with some of Germany's oldest stained glass windows.
Augsburg City Hall – A Renaissance masterpiece with the dazzling Golden Hall and panoramic tower views.
Perlachturm – A Gothic tower offering sweeping views of Augsburg and a daily musical carillon.
Schaezlerpalais – A Rococo palace with Baroque art and the stunning Goldener Saal.
Fuggerei – The world's oldest social housing complex, founded by Jakob Fugger in 1516.

The St. Anne's Church appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Augsburg!

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