Exerzitienhaus St. Paulus

High on a hill overlooking Augsburg, the Exerzitienhaus St. Paulus beckons. It’s a place of quiet contemplation, a modern-day monastery. The Exerzitienhaus St. Paulus isn’t just a building. It’s a journey. Commissioned by Bishop Freundorfer and designed by architect Thomas Wechs, it opened its doors on December 22, 1963. Since then, countless souls have sought solace and reflection within its walls. The Exerzitienhaus St. Paulus offers respite from the relentless pace of modern life. It’s a place where faith deepens and lives find renewed purpose. Over 14,000 guests visit each year, drawn by its unique atmosphere. Many come seeking answers, echoing the Apostle Paul’s question, “Lord, what would you have me do?” The architecture itself whispers stories of faith. The multi-storied structure, nestled on the hillside, evokes the image of a fortress, a sanctuary separated from the world’s clamor. The interior courtyard, reminiscent of a cloister, fosters a sense of community and introspection. Yet, vast panoramic windows embrace the surrounding park, blurring the lines between the natural world and the built environment. The Exerzitienhaus St. Paulus blends the monastic tradition with modern sensibilities. The church’s distinctive tower, inspired by a ship’s mast, is visible from afar. The curved rooflines, like billowing sails, hint at the spiritual journey within. Inside, a barrel-vaulted ceiling with porthole-shaped windows completes the nautical metaphor, symbolizing a shared voyage through the sea of time. Art is woven into the very fabric of the Exerzitienhaus St. Paulus. A statue of St. Paul by Josef Henselmann greets visitors at the entrance. Inside, a bronze pillar by Max Faller pays homage to the same apostle. The church houses a 13th-century Romanesque cross and mosaics by Georg Bernhard. A large painting by Franz Nagel, with its cubist influences, depicts apocalyptic figures. Nagel’s murals also adorn the chapel apse of the Petrussaal. Outside, a covered Way of the Cross, featuring concrete reliefs by Karl Reidel, winds through the park. A stained-glass window by Georg Bernhard graces the Resurrection Chapel. Works by Wolfgang Lettl and other regional artists add to the rich tapestry of art and spirituality. The Exerzitienhaus St. Paulus continues to evolve, hosting contemporary art exhibitions that explore fundamental questions of human existence. From the societal and political to the social and spiritual, these exhibitions enrich the contemplative atmosphere. The Exerzitienhaus St. Paulus offers a sanctuary for the soul, a place to find solace, inspiration, and a deeper connection with oneself and something greater.