Retracing Maria Antonia’s Bridal Journey – Days Eight & Nine Travel Break: Augsburg, Germany

April 28 and 29 and we are enroute to Augsburg. Augsburg was and is an important business center, the third largest city in Bavaria and over 2,000 years old. This is our second two-day stop and I am loving it.

Maria Antonia’s Itinerary

Two days in Augsburg because for Maria Antonia, Benedikt Adam Liebert, a wealthy banker hosted a ball in her honor. At other stops along the bridal journey, she has given speeches to the local dignitaries, been entertained with theatre and music, but this is the only ball scheduled during her journey.

Her mother, Empress Maria Theresa gave permission for Maria to attend the ball in the home of a Protestant. He was after all an important subject of the Empire.

The Empress however did not allow the archduchess to spend the night in the Schaezler Palace. That would have been just too much for the Catholic Empress. Maria was therefore lodged as a guest of Prince Bishop Klemens Wenzeslaus at the Episcopal Residence.

To see the doorway to this palace now, you might just walk by as it blends in the block of buildings in a similar style and age. But, opening the door is another world.

Taking the stairs to the main floor, a docent gave an introduction including an explanation of a painting in their gallery that depicted the archduchess being honored at the ball. A series of young women was presented, each wearing Old Augsburg costumes.

I had heard about the beauty of the ballroom in the Schaefer Palace. It is indeed the most beautiful of any I have seen including those at Nymphenburg and Versailles Palaces. Perhaps because it is smaller than others and seems to be perfectly proportioned.

Below is a print of the ballroom ceiling depicting a version of the world.

Carvings above the mirrors reflect signs of the zodiac and the metal associated with each.

In addition to an evening at the ball that began at 10 p.m., Maria Antonia had earlier attended a performance of Voltaire’s The Three Sultans.

I do hope that with her busy schedule she had a moment to enjoy the lovely garden behind the palace. There is free entry to the garden. The day I visited, a number of people were taking a moment to read quietly and to enjoy their lunch in the calm atmosphere.

My Itinerary

No ball or theatre for me but I was in good company. I had arranged to meet with an Augsburg resident who would show me Augsburg from a local point of view. I made this arrangement through the International Greeter Association. The organization is made of up local residents willing to share their knowledge about their city through their eyes. If you’re interested in checking out this group prior to your travels, you can reach them through internationalgreeter.org. This is how I met Rainor, a wonderful local gentleman who shared his knowledge and interests.

I had a first hand look at the path Augsburg took to ensure their water system with an historic hydraulic system. It includes canals, water towers, pumping machinery and power stations that provide sustainable energy for the community as it continues to improve today’a water system. Innovations began in the 15th century and have UNESCO World Heritage status.

I also learned about Jakob Fugger, said to be more wealthy in his day (1459-1525) than anyone who lives today. During his life, he developed a global trade empire. Fugger is best known today for the social housing complex called the Fuggerei. It was created for poor Catholic families who agreed to live a christian life, pay a nominal rent, and pray for the souls of the Fugger family every day.

Franz Mozart, great grandfather of Amadeus Mozart, was a master craftsman who oversaw the construction of Fuggerei until the end of his life. The housing complex continues to exist for families today.

Finally, Rainor led me through the High Cathedral of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary and explained its significance and history including a remaining Roman wall.