Der steinerne Mann

The story of the “Steinerne Mann” is etched into the very stones of Augsburg’s ancient walls. Right before you, standing in a turret niche, stands the “Stone Man,” a figure that has captured the city’s imagination for centuries. The legend claims he is a baker named Konrad Hacker, a brave soul who saved Augsburg during the devastating Thirty Years’ War. The story goes that during a long siege in 1634, Konrad, scraped together his meager flour, mixed it with sawdust to bulk it up, and baked a loaf of bread. He then bravely scaled the city wall and displayed his bread to the enemy, pretending the city was well-supplied with food and supplies. His bold act backfired. He was struck by a cannonball and lost his arm. He later died from his injuries, but his bravery inspired the enemy to believe Augsburg was strong and well provisioned and they decided to lift the siege. However, historical records don’t quite support this dramatic tale. While a baker named Konrad Hacker did exist, he appears to have died under different circumstances and the siege ended in a surrender, not a heroic victory.
Despite the lack of evidence for this legend, the “Stone Man” continues to stand as a powerful symbol of Augsburg’s resilience and its ability to rise above adversity. This odd, fragmented statue, cobbled together from various parts, was once a colorful figure, painted at the turn of the 19th century. Sadly, the original colors have faded, and its iconic bread arm was damaged during World War II air raids, leaving it to forever hold a simple block of wood. Despite these trials, the “Stone Man” remains, his face forever stoic, a monument to the enduring spirit of Augsburg.