Bavaria's Longest-Standing Social Housing Charges Residents Under a Euro Annually
In the heart of Augsburg, Bavaria, lies a unique social housing complex that has been home to 150 people for five centuries - the Fuggerei. Founded by wealthy merchant and philanthropist Jakob Fugger in 1521, this historic complex continues to provide affordable housing for needy citizens of Augsburg who are members of the Catholic faith.
To become a resident of the Fuggerei, one must meet certain criteria. Applicants must have lived in Augsburg for at least three years, be Catholic, and be in need. The annual rent is symbolic, amounting to just 0.88 euros (88 euro cents). As a condition of residency, residents are required to say three daily prayers for the founders of the Fuggerei.
Angelika, a recent resident, moved into a ground-floor apartment after waiting for three years. She expresses her gratitude, stating that living in the Fuggerei is like winning the lottery. Rosie, another resident, has lived there for 16 years and considers the low rent a blessing.
The Fuggerei is funded through entry fees for visitors, donations, and the exploitation of forest parcels owned by Jakob Fugger's descendants. Daniel Hobohm, the administrator, oversees the complex, while Doris Herzog reviews applications.
Residents may be asked to leave if their financial situation improves. Despite this, the community spirit and religious observance remain strong. Many residents, like Angelika, go beyond the required three daily prayers, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to live in this historic and welcoming community.
The Fuggerei is more than just a social housing complex. It is a testament to Jakob Fugger's philanthropy and a living reminder of Augsburg's rich history. Established in 1521, it is the world's oldest social housing complex, providing a sanctuary for those in need for over five centuries.
[1] The Fuggerei is a unique social housing complex in Augsburg, Germany, founded by Jakob Fugger in 1521. [2] Residents of the Fuggerei must say three prayers a day as part of their rent. [3] The Fuggerei accommodates 150 people and is located in the heart of Augsburg. [4] The Fuggerei was established specifically to house impoverished citizens of Augsburg. [5] The complex consists of over 60 houses designed for subsidized living, emphasizing community and religious observance. [6] To be eligible for the Fuggerei, applicants must be needy citizens of Augsburg, Catholic, and have lived in the city for at least three years. [7] The current rent in the Fuggerei is 88 cents per year. [8] Residents may be asked to leave if their financial situation improves.
[1] Beyond being a social housing complex, the Fuggerei in Augsburg, Germany is a remarkable testament of Jakob Fugger's philanthropy, standing as the world's oldest such complex, established in 1521.
[2] As a condition of living in the Fuggerei, residents are required to say three daily prayers for the founders of the complex, in addition to maintaining a symbolic rent of 88 cents per year.
