Gazing upon St. Pius, a modern marvel unfolds before you. This church, nestled in Augsburg-Haunstetten, is a testament to post-war architecture and community spirit. St. Pius emerged from the vision of Würzburg architect Hans Schädel, taking shape between 1964 and 1965. It was consecrated on September 4, 1966, by Bishop Josef Stimpfle, dedicated to Pope Pius X, canonized just twelve years prior. The church’s unique square design, each side measuring 28 meters, sets it apart, oriented diagonally towards the southeast. Its 22-meter tower reaches towards the heavens. St. Pius is more than just bricks and mortar. It houses a vibrant tapestry of art and faith. The first stained-glass window, depicting the Apocalyptic Lamb, arrived in 1967, designed by Franz Nagel. Later, Franz Bernhard Weißhaar contributed, creating the West window’s Passion of Christ scenes in 1986-1988 and the magnificent North window, the Pentecost window, in 1997. Step inside St. Pius, and you’ll discover a world of artistic expression. Under the open tower, the baptistery holds a unique ceramic tile Stations of the Cross. This, along with twelve apostle tapestries within the main church, are the creations of Sister Regina Holzhauser. A Marian tapestry and a modern icon of Mary Magdalene grace the altar area. A side chapel houses an altar placed before Franz Nagel’s fresco of the Cosmic Christ, illuminated by Johannes Schreiter’s glass windows. The church’s music resonates through two magnificent organs. Maximilian Offner built the main organ in 1970, boasting 32 registers across two manuals and a pedal. The smaller chapel organ, also by Offner, was installed in 1965. Both instruments underwent a thorough restoration in 2023 by Orgelbau Knöpfler GmbH, ensuring their continued contribution to the vibrant life of St. Pius.
Hexenbrunnen
What would you say if I told you that this unassuming fountain bears witness to a dark chapter in Augsburg’s