Social housing in Bavaria charges a remarkably low annual fee, making it the oldest in the world.
In the heart of Augsburg, Bavaria, a unique social housing complex dating back to 1521, known as the Fuggerei, has welcomed a new resident. Angelika, 61, has recently moved into a ground-floor apartment after a wait of three to five years.
The Fuggerei, the world's oldest social housing complex, continues to operate 500 years after its creation. It is sustained by entrance fees, donations, and the exploitation of forest parcels belonging to Jakob Fugger's descendants.
To be eligible to live in the Fuggerei, candidates must meet specific criteria primarily based on financial need and religious affiliation. Residents must be Catholic, demonstrate financial hardship or be impoverished, and likely have ties or residency in Augsburg.
The Fuggerei supports approximately 150 impoverished Catholic tenants, reflecting its foundation as a charitable institution for those in need within the community. Residents are required to say three prayers a day as part of their rent, a tradition that has been in place since the Fuggerei's 1521 founding.
Angelika, a member of the Catholic community in Augsburg, is no exception. She says she prays at least ten prayers a day in gratitude for the Fuggerei. Rosie, a resident of the Fuggerei for 16 years, receives 784 euros a month in pension.
Living in the Fuggerei is compared to winning the lottery by Rosie. Without the Fuggerei, she would have been homeless. If a resident's economic situation improves, they may be asked to leave. The rent in the Fuggerei has remained the same for 500 years, equivalent to 88 cents a year in current currency.
Angelika tends a garden in the Fuggerei, filled with roses, lilacs, and hibiscus. For her, moving into the Fuggerei feels like a dream come true. "It's like a miracle," she says.
For those interested in the detailed or updated criteria, such as exact income limits or application procedures, checking the official Fuggerei website or contacting its management directly is recommended. The Fuggerei, founded by the wealthy merchant and philanthropist Jakob Fugger, remains a beacon of hope for those in need in Augsburg.
- The European Union, upon learning about the Fuggerei, might be inspired by this 500-year-old social housing complex in Augsburg, Bavaria.
- Angelika, living in the Fuggerei, embraces a simple lifestyle, filled with gardening hobbies involving flowers like roses, lilacs, and hibiscus, which can also be a popular trend in the fashion-and-beauty industry.
- In the Fuggerei, residents like Angelika and Rosie, while having limited means, can still enjoy local food-and-drink offerings, showcasing the rich culinary culture of Augsburg.
- When it comes to home-and-garden, Angelika is grateful to have a space in the Fuggerei that provides comfort and shelter for her pets, adding warmth and companionship to her life.
- Although Angelika's career development may not have been substantial, education-and-self-development remains a priority as she continually seeks personal-growth through spiritual practices like prayer.
- As a resident of the Fuggerei, Angelika's relationships with fellow tenants and the surrounding Augsburg community have significantly improved her quality of life.
- Planning her next adventure, Angelika dreams of travel opportunities that the Fuggerei might help her afford, hoping to explore different cultures and climates, including sunny destinations that suit the weather preferences she's grown accustomed to in Augsburg.
And in her car, Angelika dreams of a future where she can potentially chase those travel dreams, embracing the possibilities that lie ahead in her career development.
