Exploring Fuggerei In Germany, The World's Oldest Housing Complex

Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex in Germany, is a unique and exemplary place to live in. The place is packed with a school, hospital, restaurant, beer garden, and church. It’s located in the Bavarian city of Augsburg. If the quirks of its legacy sound boring, you might be surprised to know that the rent here is staggeringly low—less than a Euro low.

Fuggerei’s History

A wealthy businessman from Augsburg, Germany, by the name of Jakob Fugger the Rich, had a humanitarian idea in 1516. His goal was to establish a debt-free community for the city's impoverished Catholic labourers, free from the burden of making ends meet on an expensive flat and an inadequate wage.

Construction on what Fugger called the Fuggerei—a walled town inside Augsburg—began as soon as possible. For one Rheinischer Gulden (which comes to a meagre 0.88 Euro in today’s time) per year, residents would receive a flat and the assurance that they wouldn't have to struggle to make ends meet.

Conditions Apply

Not only has there been no rent increase at the Fuggerei since 1521, but a few other rules remain unchanged. The residents are supposed to say three daily prayers for the founder, Jakob Fugger. The condition was a part of the original rent agreement in Fuggeria. This requirement, a part of the rental agreement, is related to another requirement for occupants of the Fuggerei: Catholicism.

Doris Herzog, a social worker for the housing complex, verifies that candidates are members of the Catholic community by checking their status with the parish office, even though it's difficult to verify that each resident is praying the three times a day, according to a popular German broadcaster's report.

Candidates must also be officially registered inhabitants of Augsburg. Those who can assist will be expected to perform odd duties around the Fuggerei, such as night watching or gardening. The Fuggerei's gates are officially closed at 10 p.m. Residents wishing access beyond that hour must provide a small token—typically 50 cents—to the night watchman on duty.

Special Attractions At The Complex

In the past, tenants would mistakenly enter the wrong flat because each door had a similar entrance. Because of this, each apartment door was equipped with a unique wrought iron doorbell pull, each having a different shape, allowing inhabitants to practically sense whether they were at the right door.

A cast iron fountain from 1744, some original Gothic address numbers from the 1500s, a school, a hospital, a restaurant and beer garden, a church, and hand-pump wells used by the locals since the 1700s are all visible to visitors. Moreover, the complex also houses three museums. The first is a model apartment, the second is an apartment complex preserved in its original condition from 1521, and the last is a preserved World War II bunker installed at the complex in 2008.

Famous Residents

When a place has a 500-year-old history, it is bound to have its fair share of famous residents; Fuggerei is no exception to this rule. At 48 years old, Dorothea Braun resided there until her untimely death in 1625. Braun was the first casualty of Augsburg's witch hunts. She was accused of being a witch by her 11-year-old daughter and was tortured until she confessed.

In 1681, Franz Mozart settled into House 14 on Mittlere Gasse. The bricklayer would become well-known through his descendant, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the prolific composer’s great-grandfather. In 1694, Franz passed away in the Fuggerei.

Among the current famous inhabitants, a magician named Hardy, who moved there in 2016, tops the list. Hardy first turned to magic to help with a speech impairment but has since become well-known for the craft. Nonetheless, his income still satisfies the Fuggerei requirements.

Present Times At The Fuggerei

Currently, 140 apartments comprise the Fuggerei, home to roughly 150 people. Residents are of all ages and marital status. The complex comprises 67 buildings and 147 500-to-700-square-foot apartments. The Fuggerei receives between thirty to forty applications per year, and eighty names are on the waiting list. Fuggerei is a world of its own, like living inside a museum or a half a millennia-old tradition that is still the same.

What Tourists Can Do

Fuggerei offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors seeking a journey through time and compassion. Here are some activities to make the most of your visit.

1. Guided Tours

   Engage in a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and architecture of Fuggerei. Knowledgeable guides bring the past to life, sharing stories of Jakob Fugger and the residents who have called this unique housing complex home.

2. Fuggerei Museum

   Immerse yourself in the history of Fuggerei by visiting the on-site museum. Explore a fascinating collection of artefacts, documents, and period furniture that paints a vivid picture of life in the complex over the centuries.

3. St. Mark's Church

   Take a moment for quiet reflection at St. Mark's Church. The church, nestled within Fuggerei, is a place of worship and a living testament to the Fugger family's commitment to spiritual and social well-being.

4. Exploring the Grounds

   Wander through the cobblestone streets and quaint squares of Fuggerei. Admire the medieval-style fortifications, flower-filled gardens, and the timeless architecture that transports you to a bygone era.

5. Community Interaction

   If the opportunity arises, engage with the current residents, known as Fuggers. Learn about their experiences and how Fuggerei continues to be a haven for those in need, embodying its centuries-old commitment to affordable living.

Getting There

To reach Fuggerei in Augsburg, Germany, travellers can utilise Munich Airport, with subsequent train connections to Augsburg. Augsburg Hauptbahnhof is a central train station, providing convenient access to the historic housing complex. Those preferring road travel can reach Augsburg by car, while public transportation options like buses and trams within the city facilitate easy movement. Located in Augsburg's city centre, Fuggerei is also accessible on foot from nearby landmarks.