Fuggerei

Fuggerei is a historic housing complex in Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. It was founded in 1521 by Jakob Fugger the Younger as a charitable foundation to provide affordable housing for Augsburg’s needy citizens and remains the world’s oldest social housing complex still in use.

The complex consists of 67 houses arranged around two inner courtyards and contains about 140 apartments. It is owned by the Fuggerei Foundation, the philanthropic branch of the Fugger family, and continues to operate as a working housing project supported by the foundation.

Tenants are drawn from Augsburg residents in need. In addition to the annual rent, currently one euro, residents are required to say three prayers daily for the Fugger family. The rent and these conditions reflect the original mission of the foundation and have continued into the present day.

Today, Fuggerei functions as both a living community and a major historic and tourist site. It remains inhabited by residents and is maintained to preserve its historic character, with its gatehouse and courtyards serving as a reminder of early modern social welfare initiatives. Visitors can explore the complex through guided tours or arranged visits, while residents continue to live in the apartments within this enduring example of philanthropic housing.