Fuggerei

settlement, Germany

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The Fuggerei is the world's oldest housing settlement for the poor, founded in 1519 in Augsburg, Germany. It was established by the wealthy Fugger merchant family, who were prominent in European business during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Fuggerei was designed to provide housing for impoverished citizens and still operates today, with residents paying a nominal annual rent of less than one Euro. The settlement consists of over 100 houses and apartments, along with a church and administrative buildings. It represents an early form of social welfare and a philanthropic endeavor by a prominent business family.12

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Augsburg
…hall (1615–20) and the famous Fuggerei (1519), the oldest housing settlement for the poor in the world, were damaged in World War II. Both have been restored, but the famous Golden Hall in the town hall was destroyed. There are other medieval churches, three 16th-century fountains on the main street,…
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…hall (1615–20) and the famous Fuggerei (1519), the oldest housing settlement for the poor in the world, were damaged in World War II. Both have been restored, but the famous Golden Hall in the town hall was destroyed. There are other medieval churches, three 16th-century fountains on the main street,…
Read More

Fugger family
The founding fathers
…and above all in the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social settlement, which he endowed as a peaceful haven for his impoverished old servants and fellow citizens. In his last years, seeing his work and his church threatened by the Reformation, he fought the new movement.
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…and above all in the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social settlement, which he endowed as a peaceful haven for his impoverished old servants and fellow citizens. In his last years, seeing his work and his church threatened by the Reformation, he fought the new movement.
Read More