Augsburg - Roman history in Bavaria

From Oberammergau we drove another 50 miles in a triangular direction to Augsburg. Augsburg was founded as a garrison of the Roman Empire in 15 AD under it namesake, Caesar Augustus (yeh, the same Caesar Augustus)

It was on the main trade route to Italy and became a prosperous commercial city. Overrun by the Huns in the 5th century and Charlamagne in the 8th century and a couple of other groups since then, it has always rebounded stronger than before. It is now the third largest city in Bavaria and a college town and commercial center. I visited a manufacturing plant years ago in Augsburg to discuss disinfecting equipment for hospital beds and equipment in Europe prior to the acquisition of hospital bed manufacturers in France and Germany. Anyways, Augsburg's Christkindlesmarkt is one of Germany's loveliest and oldest Christmas markets, held for more than 500 years in the delightful setting provided by the impressive Renaissance town hall.

As we entered old town square, we were greeted by a group, about seven, Father Christmas musicians playing Christmas music on hand cranked organ grinders. Each organ played a separate musical part that came together in a very interesting way. We got one of the lead grinders to pose with us for this picture. He seemed like he wanted to make sure Melanie was warm on this cold night. Stayed his distance from me.



The highlight of the Augsburg Christkindlemarkt is the Augsburg Angels Play when - precisely at 6:00pm - above the Augsburg Christmas Market - angels appear, playing music, and the Renaissance town hall is transformed into a giant Advent calendar. There were trumpets, harps, and flutes performing. This was our view from the wheelchair. (I don't know why Sherlock Holmes was passing through)

There is a contest among the young women of Augsburg to see who gets to be the lead Angel in this production. Sort of like becoming Queen of the Rose Parade in Pasadena.