St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Church, Augsburg

Church in Augsburg

St. Ulrichs And St. Afras Church
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Alois Wüst

Rising proudly above the southern part of Augsburg's Old Town, St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Church is one of the must-see places in Augsburg. Dedicated to the city's patron saints, this magnificent structure combines centuries of faith, history, and architectural splendor. Its soaring Gothic tower dominates the skyline, while the interior reveals a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences that together create a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Beyond its striking architecture, the church is a living place of worship that continues to serve as both a parish and a pilgrimage site. Visitors are drawn not only to its artistic beauty but also to its deep spiritual significance. As one of the top sights in Augsburg, it is often visited on walking tours of Augsburg, providing a serene contrast to the city's bustling streets and offering a powerful glimpse into the heart of its faith and history.

History and Significance of St. Ulrich’s and St. Afra’s Church

The origins of St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Church date back to the 9th century, when it was first built as part of a Benedictine monastery. It was dedicated to St. Afra, a Christian martyr who died in Augsburg around 304 AD, and later to St. Ulrich, the city's beloved bishop who famously defended Augsburg from Hungarian invaders in 955. Over the centuries, the church expanded and evolved, reflecting the city's prosperity and shifting artistic tastes.

The Gothic structure that stands today was largely completed in the 15th century, featuring ribbed vaults, pointed arches, and elegant stained glass. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Baroque and Rococo embellishments were added, transforming the church into a breathtaking fusion of medieval and Baroque design. The tombs of St. Ulrich and St. Afra became important pilgrimage sites, solidifying the church’s reputation as one of Germany’s foremost religious monuments.

Things to See and Do in St. Ulrich’s and St. Afra’s Church

Inside, the church is a masterpiece of sacred art. The main altar, built in the Baroque period, dazzles with gilded carvings, angels, and intricate paintings. The tomb of St. Afra, adorned with marble and frescoes, is one of the most venerated spots within the church. Nearby lies the shrine of St. Ulrich, whose relics continue to attract pilgrims from across Europe.

Visitors should also take time to admire the many side chapels, each richly decorated with Renaissance and Baroque altarpieces. The organ, one of Augsburg's finest, is often featured in concerts that fill the vaulted nave with stirring music. For art enthusiasts, the frescoes and sculptures reveal the evolution of religious art in southern Germany across several centuries. Exploring these chapels and relics is one of the best things to do in Augsburg for those interested in culture, spirituality, and history.

How to Get There

St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Church is located on Ulrichsplatz, in the southern part of Augsburg's Old Town. From Augsburg Hauptbahnhof (main station), it’s about a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride (Line 3 toward Haunstetten West, stop at “Theodor-Heuss-Platz”). Parking is available at the nearby City-Galerie parking garage, but walking is the best way to enjoy the charming streets leading to the church.

Practical Tips on Visiting St. Ulrich’s and St. Afra’s Church

  • Best time to visit St. Ulrich’s and St. Afra’s Church: Morning hours, when sunlight filters through the stained glass and the church is quieter.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free entry; donations are welcome.
  • Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Official website: www.ulrichsbasilika.de
  • How long to spend: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour for a full visit.
  • Accessibility: Main areas are accessible; some side chapels have steps.
  • Facilities: Restrooms and a small gift shop nearby.
  • Photography tip: Capture the Gothic tower at dusk, illuminated against Augsburg’s skyline.
  • Guided tours: Available in English and German through the local tourism office.
  • Nearby food options: Several cafés and traditional Bavarian restaurants can be found along Maximilianstraße, just a short walk away.

Is St. Ulrich’s and St. Afra’s Church Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Church is one of the top attractions in Augsburg and a true symbol of the city's spiritual heritage. Its fusion of Gothic grandeur and Baroque opulence makes it both historically significant and visually captivating. Whether you're attending mass, admiring the art, or simply seeking a quiet moment of reflection, this remarkable church offers an experience that captures the essence of Augsburg's soul.

Nearby Attractions to St. Ulrich’s and St. Afra’s Church

  • Augsburg City Hall – A Renaissance gem with the spectacular Golden Hall and sweeping views from the tower.
  • Perlachturm – The city's iconic bell tower offering panoramic views and a daily carillon performance.
  • Schaezlerpalais – A Rococo palace filled with Baroque masterpieces and one of Bavaria's most elegant interiors.
  • Fuggerei – The world's oldest social housing complex, founded by Jakob Fugger in 1516.
  • Augsburg Cathedral – A Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece with some of the oldest stained glass windows in Europe.

The St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Church appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Augsburg!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Visiting St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Church

Hours:

Daily 9am–5pm

Price:

Free

Address: Basilica of SS. Ulrich and Afra, Augsburg, Ulrichsplatz, Augsburg, Germany
Augsburg: 1 km

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs