Here stands the St. Markus-Kapelle. This chapel’s story is intertwined with Augsburg’s history. It is a testament to faith and resilience.
The St. Markus-Kapelle was built between 1580 and 1582. Markus and Philipp Eduard Fugger commissioned it. Hans Holl, a master builder in Fugger’s service, may have been responsible for its construction.
The chapel served as a replacement. It replaced the Protestant Barfüßer- and St. Jakob church. Until the Franziskanerklosterkirche Heilig-Grab was built, it was the only Catholic church in Augsburg’s Jakobervorstadt. Residents of the Fuggerei had to pray daily for the founders.
In 1731, Johann Schuster led a Baroque redesign. Johann Peter Domer created a ceiling fresco. Jakob Gerstens from Antwerp provided the altar. Maximilian Joseph Graf Fugger von Kirchheim purchased the altarpiece.
Tragedy struck during World War II. The church was completely destroyed in 1944. Reconstruction took until 1950. The interior was changed. A flat ceiling replaced the vaults.
Look at the rectangular structure. Notice the straight chancel. The barrel vault with lunettes is impressive. See the arched windows on the sides.
The Holzkassettendecke is special. It dates back to 1550/60. It likely came from the Fugger family’s original foundation house near St. Anna.
An early Baroque altar serves as a replacement. It replaces the destroyed high altar. It features the rescued altarpiece by Jacopo Palma il Giovane. A small winged altar from around 1570 stands on the east wall. It depicts Markus Fugger, his wife Sibylla, and their children. It also came from Fugger property. It was originally in the house chapel of the Augsburg Fugger houses of St. Sebastian.
An organ from around 1730 is another feature. It came from the Silbermann organ builders’ workshop. An epitaph for Ulrich Fugger is set into the west wall. Anton Daucher created it. It originated from the Fugger Chapel of St. Anna.
The St. Markus-Kapelle stands as a symbol. It represents faith, art, and the enduring spirit of Augsburg. Take a moment to reflect on its history. Remember the people who shaped it. Appreciate the beauty that rose from the ashes.