St. Ulrich's and St. Afra's Abbey

Augsburg, Germany

From the late 16th century onward, the Abbey of St. Ulrich and St Afra was one of the 40-odd self-ruling imperial abbeys of the Holy Roman Empire and, as such, was a virtually independent state. The territory of that state was very fragmented: the abbey of St. Ulrich and St Afra proper enclaved within the Free Imperial City of Augsburg, and several small territories disseminated throughout the region. At the time of its dissolution in 1802, the Imperial Abbey covered 112 square kilometers and had about 5,000 subjects.

The Benedictine monastery was preceded by an original foundation established at an uncertain date, but at least as early as the 10th century (and in its turn quite possibly a refoundation of a still earlier one from the 5th or 6th centuries), by the Kollegiatstift St. Afra, a community of the priests charged with the care of St Afra's Church (now the Basilica of Saints Ulrich and Afra), where the relics of Saint Afra were venerated, and next door to which the community premises were built.

Between 1006 and 1012, Bruno, Bishop of Augsburg, removed the canons to the cathedral chapter and gave the premises to Benedictine monks whom he brought from Tegernsee Abbey, thus turning it into a Benedictine monastery. It was granted Imperial immediacy as an Imperial abbey in 1577, but this status was bitterly contested by the bishops of Augsburg, and the legal conflict was resolved in favour of the abbey only in 1643/44.

The abbey was dissolved in 1802 during the secularisation of Bavaria. The city of Augsburg and the state of Bavaria divided its territory between them. The monks however were permitted to remain in the premises of the dissolved monstery. In 1805 a French military hospital was installed here; after six monks, including the abbot, had died of infectious diseases, the remainder moved into a private house. The hospital was replaced in 1807 by a Bavarian cavalry barracks, known as the Ulrichskaserne.

The barracks remained here until World War II, when in 1944 the buildings were largely destroyed. The remains were not cleared until 1968–71. On the site the 'Haus St. Ulrich' has stood since 1975, an academy and pastoral centre of the Diocese of Augsburg. The sarcophaguses of Saint Afra and Saint Ulrich are preserved in the crypt.

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Details

Founded: 10th century
Category: Religious sites in Germany
Historical period: Ottonian Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Erman Jones (2 years ago)
A beautiful church dating from the tenth century. The altars inside are truly impressive. Lots of impressive art and iconography if you are I to that sort of thing. We arrived and there was some lovely chant/singing happening.
david antoun (2 years ago)
Catholic Basilik with late gothic interior architecture and baroque style identify the externl dom thus currently under renovation. the church includes the relics of St.Afra and St.Ulrich which you can visit to pray under the main altar and it holds a historical significance where 2 roman german emperors were crowned here.
Phil Tad (2 years ago)
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.
p b (2 years ago)
Another beautiful Basilica, also a nice chapel next door.
Animesh Kumar (2 years ago)
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 visit and time.
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