Fuggerei Augsburg: The oldest social housing estate in the world

Located in the centre of Augsburg, the Fuggerei comprises 67 houses, 142 flats, its own church and administrative buildings - surrounded by an impressive city wall with three gates. Visitors can experience a "city within a city" and immerse themselves in a residential tradition that is unrivalled anywhere in the world.

The residential tradition of the Fuggerei: unique rules and favourable rents

The historic terraced housing estate is home to around 150 Catholic residents on low incomes. The annual rent? Just 0.88 euros per flat - a symbolic sum that has been in place for centuries. In return, the residents commit to three daily prayers, including one for the salvation of the Fugger dynasty. Jakob Fugger, a member of the famous merchant family, founded the settlement for needy citizens in 1521 in the name of his deceased brothers Georg and Ulrich. The rules and rituals make the Fuggerei a living example of historical welfare, the like of which is hard to find anywhere else.

The Fuggerei Museum: an insight into the past and present

The Fuggerei not only invites you to marvel at its architecture, but also to take a journey into the past. The Fuggermuseum in the street Mittlere Gasse, in the flats with the house numbers 13 and 14, offers insights into the exciting history of the settlement and its inhabitants. Here, visitors can learn all about the development of the Fuggerei and experience the lives of the residents from past centuries. Particularly worth seeing: the show flat in the last remaining original house, which shows the style of living in the 18th century. If you would like a modern comparison, you can visit the second show flat at Ochsengasse 51, which offers an insight into the living conditions of the Fuggerei's inhabitants today.

An excursion destination for every season

A visit to the Fuggerei is worthwhile at any time of year. Especially in spring and summer, when the historical ambience is in full bloom, the charm of the estate unfolds. At Christmas time, the Fuggerei becomes particularly romantic when the small, atmospheric Christmas market opens its doors and welcomes visitors in a festive atmosphere.

Eating and drinking in the neighbourhood

Therestaurant "Die Tafeldecker der Fuggerei" at Jakoberstraße 26 is the perfect place for a culinary break. Here, guests can enjoy Bavarian-Swabian specialities in a modern ambience - perfect for a break after the tour.

Travelling to the Fuggerei

You can reach Augsburg's main railway station comfortably and in a climate-friendly way by train. From there it is just under 20 minutes on foot to the Fuggerei. After leaving the main station at the east exit, follow Bahnhofsstraße straight ahead for about 500 metres until you reach Königsplatz. Cross the square and turn left into Annastraße. After another 240 metres, you will reach Rathausplatz via Mettlochgäßchen and Philippine-Wesler-Straße. Continue along "Am Perlachberg", which becomes Barfüßerstraße. After around 180 metres, you will find the Fuggerei in Jakoberstraße on the right-hand side.

Fancy an interactive adventure through the Fuggerei in Augsburg? Then listen to this episode of the podcast series "Hin & Hören" and discover the oldest social housing estate in the world through audio.