The rent in the german neighborhood of Fuggerei hasn’t been raised in 500 years and remains 0.88 Euros for an entire year. Founded in 1521, it is the oldest existing social housing complex in the world
Title: Fuggerei: Germany’s 500-Year-Old Social Housing Miracle Where Rent Is Still 0.88 Euros a Year
Imagine paying less than a single Euro for an entire year’s rent. In an era of skyrocketing housing costs, it sounds like fiction. Yet, in the heart of Augsburg, Germany, the historic neighborhood of Fuggerei has offered exactly that for over five centuries. Founded in 1521, this UNESCO-listed site is the oldest social housing complex in the world—and its mission remains unchanged today. Discover the story behind this architectural marvel, where residents still pay just €0.88 per year in rent, the same rate as in the 16th century.
A Legacy of Compassion: The History of Fuggerei
In 1521, Jakob Fugger “the Rich,” a banker, merchant, and philanthropist, established Fuggerei to provide affordable housing for Augsburg’s working poor. Inspired by his devout Catholic faith and a desire to uplift those impacted by war and poverty, Fugger created a self-contained community with its own church, gardens, and gates. Remarkably, the Fugger family dynasty still funds and manages the complex today through the Fugger Foundation.
Despite surviving the Thirty Years’ War, WWII bombings, and countless economic shifts, Fuggerei’s core principle endures: nobody in need should be denied dignity or shelter.
Rent in 2024: Still €0.88 Per Year—But With a Twist
Yes, you read that correctly. The annual rent for Fuggerei’s 67 apartments is frozen at €0.88 (or one Rhenish guilder, the original currency). Adjusted for inflation, this equals roughly €200 in modern Euros—but the Fugger Foundation honors Jakob’s pledge to keep costs symbolic.
However, residency comes with unique conditions:
- Applicants must prove low income, reside in Augsburg for at least two years, and maintain a spotless reputation.
- All residents must be practicing Catholics and pray daily for the Fugger family.
- The gates lock at 10 PM, though a night bell allows late entry for a small fee (a tradition dating to the 1500s).
These rules preserve Fuggerei’s original spirit while ensuring its longevity. Modern residents range from retirees to single parents, all benefiting from a safe, serene community just steps from Augsburg’s bustling city center.
How Fuggerei Thrives in the Modern World
While rent hasn’t risen in 500 years, maintaining this historic treasure isn’t cheap. Restoration costs (especially after WWII) and daily operations are funded by:
- Tourism: Over 200,000 visitors pay €4–€6 to explore Fuggerei’s museum, air-raid shelter, and Baroque-era homes.
- The Fugger Family Fortune: Profits from the family’s forestry and real estate investments.
- Global Donations: A 2016 partnership with a Japanese housing firm even funded a replica Fuggerei in Miyakojima!
Today, the complex blends past and present: original cobblestone streets meet energy-efficient renovations, while residents enjoy high-speed internet alongside 16th-century timbered facades.
Visiting Fuggerei: A Journey Through Time
Planning a trip to Bavaria? Fuggerei is a must-see. Here’s what to know:
- Location: Jakoberstraße 26, Augsburg (30 minutes from Munich by train).
- Hours: Open daily, 8 AM–8 PM (shorter in winter).
- Experience: Walk through the iconic gates into a village frozen in time. Visit the museum to see WWII artifacts, then explore the manicured gardens and St. Mark’s Church.
Respect residents’ privacy—peek into courtyards but avoid entering apartment buildings. Pair your visit with a stroll through Augsburg’s Renaissance-era Old Town!
Fuggerei’s Timeless Lesson for the World
In a global housing crisis, Fuggerei stands as a beacon of what’s possible when compassion meets commitment. For 500 years, it’s proven that affordable housing can be sustainable, dignified, and community-centered—all without raising rent.
As cities worldwide grapple with inequality, Jakob Fugger’s vision reminds us: solutions don’t need to be new. Sometimes, they just need to endure.
Ready to step into history? Visit Fuggerei’s official website or Augsburg Tourism to plan your trip—and witness the world’s oldest social housing wonder in person!
Target Keywords: Fuggerei, oldest social housing complex, 0.88 Euro rent, Germany affordable housing, Augsburg tourism, Jakob Fugger, historic Germany.
Meta Description: Discover Fuggerei: Germany’s 16th-century social housing project where rent is still €0.88/year. Explore its history, rules, and how to visit this UNESCO gem!
