All tours in Augsburg

Augsburg

The Merchant Princes and the Monks: A Tale of Gold and Grace

3.1 km117 min8 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the opulent, treacherous world of 16th-century Augsburg, where the clinking of a merchant's gold collided with the radical prayers of a lone monk. On this immersive journey, you will uncover the epic power struggle between the Fugger dynasty—the wealthiest capitalist empire the world had ever seen—and Martin Luther, the man who sparked the Reformation. From secret intelligence networks and papal monopolies to the world's oldest social housing complex, discover how the battle between extreme wealth and religious upheaval shaped the modern world.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

St. Anna Kirche

A medieval church housing both the opulent Renaissance Fuggerkapelle and the Lutherstiege, marking the exact site where the Reformation's greatest clash began.

St. Anna Kirche

Pic by Ricardalovesmonuments on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.12 km • 2 min
2

STOP 2

Fuggerplatz

The geographic and symbolic heart of Fugger power, featuring the monument to the family's most consequential figure, Jakob Fugger 'the Rich'.

Fuggerplatz

Pic by Benoit Larochelle on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

0.14 km • 2 min
3

STOP 3

Weberhaus

The beautifully painted guild house of the weavers, representing the humble origins of the Fugger family before their pivot to global finance.

Weberhaus

Pic by Jakub Hałun on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

0.03 km • 1 min
4

STOP 4

Moritzkirche

The parish church of the Fugger family, showcasing their attempt to control public piety, and later, the site of forced religious coexistence.

Moritzkirche

Pic by User:ReclaM on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

0.19 km • 3 min
5

STOP 5

Fuggerhäuser

The magnificent Renaissance palace of the Fugger dynasty, and the site of the pivotal 1518 interrogation of Martin Luther by Cardinal Cajetan.

Fuggerhäuser

Pic by Ricardalovesmonuments on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.54 km • 8 min
6

STOP 6

St. Ulrich und Afra

A massive Catholic basilica standing wall-to-wall with a smaller Protestant church, physically embodying the forced compromise of the 1555 Peace of Augsburg.

St. Ulrich und Afra

Pic by Dewi König on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

1.55 km • 24 min
7

STOP 7

Barfüßerkirche

The first church in Augsburg to turn Protestant, representing the working-class rebellion against the Fugger-backed Catholic elite.

Barfüßerkirche

Pic by user:joergens.mi on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.48 km • 7 min
8

END

Fuggerei

The world's oldest social housing complex, founded by Jakob Fugger, where residents still pay 0.88 Euros a year and pray for his soul daily.

Fuggerei

Pic by Jorge Franganillo on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, economics nerds, and lovers of grand, sweeping historical dramas.
  • Best time Daytime, particularly late morning or early afternoon when the churches are open and the light catches the Renaissance facades.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of headphones for the best immersive audio experience.
  • Church Etiquette We will be entering several active places of worship. Please be mindful of ongoing services and maintain a respectful silence.
  • Fuggerei Entry The final stop, the Fuggerei, requires a small entrance fee if you wish to explore the interior grounds and museums.
  • Pacing Take your time. This tour is dense with history. Pause the audio if you want to linger in the courtyards or chapels.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Ian MacLeod
Audio sample
0:000:00

Ian MacLeod

  • Power, Protest & Civic Spaces
  • Scotland

Connoisseur of political movements. Traces the routes of protests and explains the power of public spaces.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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