Fuggerei, Augsburg

Nestled in the heart of Augsburg, Germany, the Fuggerei is not just a museum but a living piece of history, considered to be the world's oldest social housing complex still in use. Founded in 1521 by the wealthy merchant Jakob Fugger, this walled enclave was built to provide a haven for the city's needy citizens, a tradition that continues to this day.

Comprising 67 houses with 147 apartments, the Fuggerei is a testament to early modern philanthropy and social welfare. Each unit is designed to accommodate individuals or families who fulfill the original criteria set by its founder: being Catholic, needy, and residents of Augsburg. In exchange for this subsidized living, residents are expected to pray three times a day for the Fugger family and the community.

The quaint, cobbled streets and uniform, ivy-clad buildings of the Fuggerei transport visitors back to the 16th century. The annual rent has remained unchanged for centuries, famously costing just one Rheinischer Gulden per year, equivalent to 0.88 euros, plus daily prayers.

Beyond its function as a housing complex, the Fuggerei includes a museum that provides an in-depth look into the site's history and the life of its benefactor. Visitors can explore a fully furnished museum apartment, showing how residents might have lived in the past, alongside an exhibit detailing the Fuggerei's foundation and operations.

This living museum operates year-round, offering a unique glimpse into a 500-year-old social experiment that continues to thrive. The Fuggerei's timeless commitment to community welfare stands as a rare example of enduring social consciousness in architecture and urban planning.