Residents are still required to perform three daily prayers for the founder and his family as a condition of their residency.
The annual rent of 0.88 Euros is equivalent to one 'Rhenish Guilder', the original currency value set in 1521.
During World War II, a significant portion of the Fuggerei was destroyed by Allied bombing raids, necessitating extensive reconstruction.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's great-grandfather, Franz Mozart, was a resident of the Fuggerei from 1681 until his death in 1694.
The complex features a bunker museum that preserves the stark reality of air-raid conditions experienced by residents in the 1940s.
The walls surrounding the Fuggerei were historically locked every night at sunset, a tradition maintained until the mid-20th century.
The Fuggerei functions as a private foundation, managed by the Fugger family council, rather than the municipal government.
The Fuggerei is the world's oldest social housing complex still in operation, founded by Jakob Fugger 'the Rich' in 1521. Located in Augsburg, the walled enclave consists of 67 houses and 147 apartments that remain home to roughly 150 low-income Catholic residents. To qualify for residence, applicants must be Catholic, Augsburg residents for at least two years, and earn a symbolic annual rent of 0.88 Euros. The site functions as a living museum, featuring a bunker from World War II and a historic show apartment preserved in its original layout. Visitors can explore the gated streets, a small church, and an administrative building that documents the history of the Fugger merchant dynasty. The complex retains its 16th-century architectural character, defined by uniform gabled houses and a quiet, gated atmosphere. It serves as a rare example of continuous philanthropic housing spanning five centuries.
The central alleyway featuring the iconic gabled rooftops and ivy-covered stone facades.
Visit the historical show apartment to see how the original layout compares to modern renovations.
Walk to the back of the complex to see the World War II bunker exhibition.
Maintain silence and respect as the area remains a private, inhabited residential neighborhood.
Do not treat the entire complex as a public park; remember that this is a private residential area with living inhabitants.
Respect the privacy of residents; do not photograph interiors of private homes or disturb residents.
