Fuggerei - The World's Oldest Social Housing Complex

Located on Jakoberstraße in the historic heart of Augsburg, Fuggerei stands as the world's oldest social housing project, continuously inhabited since its establishment in 1521. Founded by wealthy merchant Jakob Fugger with the vision of providing dignified shelter for the poor and hardworking residents, this remarkable settlement represents a remarkable testament to social compassion that has endured for nearly five centuries. To this day, Fuggerei fulfills its original mission, serving as a vibrant neighborhood where low-income families continue to make their homes.

Walking through Fuggerei's narrow lanes and alleyways transports visitors directly into the architectural world of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. The preserved buildings and street layouts offer an authentic glimpse into how ordinary people lived centuries ago, while the carefully maintained structures demonstrate the durability of traditional Bavarian craftsmanship. Since its founding over 500 years ago, Fuggerei has provided shelter to countless families, making it a pivotal landmark in European social policy and urban planning history.

Operating today as both a living community and museum, Fuggerei invites visitors to explore period-authentic interiors, historical artifacts, and documents that bring the past to life. Through intimate encounters with the stories of different generations who have called this place home, guests gain a profound appreciation for human solidarity and compassion. For anyone interested in history, architecture, or social innovation, Fuggerei represents one of Germany's most extraordinary cultural treasures and offers an unforgettable journey into the values that shaped our modern world.