Augsburg

Augsburg (classic Augusta Vindelicorum), a city in Bavaria, Germany, the capital of the circle of Suabia and Neuberg, situated at the confluence of the Lech and Wertach, 36 miles W.N.W. of Munich. It was founded about 14 B.C. by Augustus, and grew to be one of the most powerful cities in Europe. In 1531 the famous Augsburg Confession, on which the Lutheran Church is based, was submitted to the Emperor Charles V. in the cathedral, and in 1555 the Peace of Augsburg brought about a temporary understanding between the Reformers and the Romanists. Though not so prosperous as in former days, Augsburg is only second to Frankfort in financial importance. The Allgemeine Zeitung, one of the chief political organs in Germany, was published there until 1882. There are manufactories of cotton, linen, silk, watches, mathematical instruments, and large dyeing and bleaching works. The cathedral dates in part from the tenth century; St. Ulric's Church boasts a splendid tower; the townhall is a fine Renaissance building; and the Fuggerei, a group of almshouses built early in the sixteenth century, offers many features of interest. The Maximilian-Strasse is regarded as one of the finest and most picturesque of streets.