Fuggerei: A Living History of Social Housing

Discover the Fuggerei in Augsburg, the world's oldest social housing complex, where history, community, and compassion converge in a unique and inspiring 'city within a city'.

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Fuggerei

The Fuggerei in Augsburg is the world's oldest social housing complex, founded in 1521 by Jakob Fugger. It remains a unique and compelling example of social responsibility, offering affordable housing to Augsburg citizens in need for nearly 500 years. Wander through its car-free lanes, admire the picturesque ochre-colored houses with red roofs, and experience a 'city within a city' where residents still pay a symbolic rent of just 0.88 euros per year. Explore the Fuggerei Museum, the display residence, and even a World War II bunker to delve deeper into the history and the lives of the Fuggerei's residents, past and present. The Fuggerei is more than just a historical site; it's a living community with a remarkable story to tell.

A brief summary to Fuggerei

Jakoberstraße 26, Augsburg, Augsburg-Innenstadt, 86152, DE
+498213198810
Visit website

Monday 9 am-8 pm
Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
Thursday 9 am-8 pm
Friday 9 am-8 pm
Saturday 9 am-8 pm
Sunday 9 am-8 pm

Local tips

Visit the Fuggerei Museum to learn about the history of the complex and see how residents lived in the past.
Explore the World War II bunker for a glimpse into the Fuggerei's resilience during challenging times.
Respect the privacy of the residents and be mindful of noise levels while exploring the Fuggerei.
Take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the Fuggerei's history and social impact.
Visit St. Mark's Church, located within the Fuggerei, to admire its Baroque architecture.

Getting There

Walking

From Augsburg's Rathausplatz, walk east along Philippine-Welser-Straße, then turn right onto Barfüßerstraße. Continue onto Jakoberstraße; the Fuggerei entrance will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10 minutes and well-signposted. Consider visiting the Fuggerei Stube, a restaurant right next to the main entrance.
Public Transport

Take tram line 1 (direction Lechhausen/Ostfriedhof) from Königsplatz to the 'Fuggerei' stop. The stop is located next to St. Jakob's Church, right by the Fuggerei entrance. A single tram fare within Augsburg (Zone 1) costs approximately €2.40.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from Augsburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to the Fuggerei takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €8-€12. Note that traffic within the city center can be congested during peak hours.
Driving

Driving directly to the Fuggerei is not recommended due to limited parking. Use Jakoberstraße 26, 86152 Augsburg, as the navigation address. Park at the City Galerie or other downtown parking garages (approx. €2-€3 per hour). From there, it's a short walk to the Fuggerei. Limited short-term parking (with parking disc) is available on Jakobsplatz (1 hour, 8 AM - 6 PM).

Discover more about Fuggerei

The Fuggerei, nestled in the heart of Augsburg, is a remarkable testament to social innovation and enduring compassion. Founded in 1521 by Jakob Fugger, a wealthy merchant and banker, it stands as the world's oldest social housing complex still in use. This 'city within a city' offers a unique glimpse into the past while continuing to provide affordable housing for Augsburg citizens in need. Jakob Fugger, often called 'Jakob the Rich,' was a prominent figure in European commerce during the Renaissance. His family's wealth stemmed from textiles, mining, and trade, making them one of the most influential dynasties of their time. Towards the end of his life, Fugger, driven by a sense of social responsibility, established the Fuggerei to provide a debt-free community for impoverished Catholic laborers. The Fuggerei comprises 67 houses divided into 142 apartments, a church, a museum, and administrative buildings, all enclosed within a walled compound accessed through three gates. The architecture is charmingly uniform, with ochre-colored terraced houses adorned with red-tiled roofs and green shutters. Each apartment has its own front door to the street, a kitchen, a parlor, and one or two bedrooms, reflecting a simple yet dignified standard of living. What sets the Fuggerei apart is its enduring commitment to affordability. Residents pay an annual rent of just 0.88 euros, a sum equivalent to the original rent of one Rhenish guilder in the 16th century. In exchange, they are expected to be of the Catholic faith, have lived in Augsburg for at least two years, be in need through no fault of their own and commit to praying three times daily for the Fugger family. Visiting the Fuggerei is like stepping back in time. The car-free lanes invite leisurely strolls, allowing visitors to soak in the tranquil atmosphere. The Fuggerei Museum, located within the complex, offers a fascinating look into the history of the settlement and the lives of its residents. A preserved World War II bunker serves as a stark reminder of the Fuggerei's resilience through challenging times. Furthermore, a display residence showcases the living conditions of residents in the 18th century, while another apartment is open for public viewing to provide insights into contemporary living within the Fuggerei. The Fuggerei is not merely a historical artifact; it is a living, breathing community. Approximately 150 residents currently call the Fuggerei home, maintaining a tradition of community and mutual support. The gates of the Fuggerei close at 10 PM, and residents returning later must pay a small fee to the night watchman, a practice that adds to the unique character of the place. The Fuggerei's impact extends beyond its walls. It stands as a symbol of Augsburg's rich history and its commitment to social welfare. The Fugger family's legacy continues to shape the city, with numerous monuments and endowments bearing their name. The Fuggerei has inspired similar social housing projects around the world, demonstrating the enduring power of innovative solutions to address societal challenges. Today, the Fuggerei is managed by the Fugger Foundation, which carefully oversees the settlement's operations and ensures its long-term sustainability. The foundation's income primarily comes from forestry holdings, a testament to the Fugger family's prudent investment strategies. Visiting the Fuggerei offers a profound experience, inviting reflection on the values of community, compassion, and social responsibility. It is a place where history comes alive, and where the enduring legacy of Jakob Fugger continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or social innovation, the Fuggerei is a must-see destination that will leave a lasting impression. Beyond the historical and social aspects, the Fuggerei also offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. Its well-maintained green spaces and quiet courtyards provide a serene oasis for residents and visitors alike. The Fuggerei's church, St. Mark's, is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and serves as a focal point for the community's spiritual life. The Fuggerei is easily accessible from Augsburg's city center, either on foot, by bicycle, or by tram. Its central location makes it a convenient addition to any Augsburg itinerary. While exploring the Fuggerei, visitors are encouraged to respect the privacy of the residents and to appreciate the unique character of this remarkable settlement. The Fuggerei is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a living testament to the power of human compassion and the enduring legacy of a visionary leader. It is a place where history, community, and social responsibility converge, offering a unique and inspiring experience for all who visit.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Merkurbrunnen

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Oberschönenfeld Abbey

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Burgstall Schlösslesberg

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Silbersteg

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Blutenburg Castle

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Harburg Castle

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Nymphenburg Palace

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Roggenburg Abbey

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Olympiapark München

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Olympiaturm

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Walk of Fame Olympic Park

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BMW Museum

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Wappenhaus

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Pumucklbrunnen

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Essential places to dine

Altstadtgasthaus Bauerntanz

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Restaurant Die Ecke - Augsburg

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Das Wirtshaus unter dem Bogen

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Riegele WirtsHaus

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Restaurant Alte Liebe

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Restaurant BCA

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Restaurant Bayerischer Löwe

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Restaurant Zum Bayern Kini

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Restaurant Wirtshaus Frau Huber

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Berghof

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Restaurant Hirblinger Hof

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Die Tafeldecker am Hopfengarten

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Restaurant Deuringer Hof

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Restaurant Gasthaus am Lohwald

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Pinu

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IdeenReich

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Elbenwald

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City-Galerie

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The Body Shop

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LiNEA Lifestyle Wohnen - Augsburg

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EuroShop

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Explore EuroShop in Augsburg for a delightful shopping experience filled with unique gifts and home goods at affordable prices.

Hawaii-Store

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Action Augsburg

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Mix-Shop & Postagentur

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Blue Cottage

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Depot

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Explore Depot in Stadtbergen for unique gifts, stylish home décor, and an unforgettable shopping experience that captures the essence of local culture.

Experience the lively atmosphere and delicious cocktails at Haifischbar Augsburg, a top cocktail bar and hamburger restaurant in the heart of the city.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Fuggerei: A Living History of Social Housing

A brief summary to Fuggerei

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Fuggerei

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Fuggerei

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Merkurbrunnen

Oberschönenfeld Abbey

Burgstall Schlösslesberg

Silbersteg

Blutenburg Castle

Harburg Castle

Nymphenburg Palace

Schleissheim palace complex

Roggenburg Abbey

Olympiapark München

Olympiaturm

Walk of Fame Olympic Park

BMW Museum

Wappenhaus

Pumucklbrunnen

Unmissable attractions to see

Neptunbrunnen

Fuggerei Brunnen

Brechthaus

Jakobertor

Ratskeller Augsburg

Augsburg Town Hall

St. Peter am Perlach

Goldener Saal

Augustusbrunnen

Rathausplatz

Maximilianstraße

Five-Ridge Tower

Fugger and Welser Erlebnismuseum

Fuggerhaus

St. Moritz

Essential places to dine

Altstadtgasthaus Bauerntanz

Restaurant Die Ecke - Augsburg

Das Wirtshaus unter dem Bogen

Riegele WirtsHaus

Restaurant Alte Liebe

Restaurant BCA

Restaurant Bayerischer Löwe

Restaurant Zum Bayern Kini

Restaurant Wirtshaus Frau Huber

Berghof

Restaurant Hirblinger Hof

Die Tafeldecker am Hopfengarten

Wirtshaus Strasser

Restaurant Deuringer Hof

Restaurant Gasthaus am Lohwald

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Pinu

Nepal Shop

IdeenReich

Elbenwald

City-Galerie

The Body Shop

LiNEA Lifestyle Wohnen - Augsburg

Gud är stor - Christlicher Online Shop

EuroShop

Hawaii-Store

Action Augsburg

Mix-Shop & Postagentur

Mix-Shop - Geschenke und mehr... -

Blue Cottage

Depot

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Bar k12.wine

THE DRUNKEN MONKEY - Augsburg