June 27th, 2024

The Fuggerei – the world’s first public housing (2022)

The Fuggerei in Augsburg, Germany, founded in 1521, is the world's first public housing project. It offers low-cost housing to Catholic, respectable residents, emphasizing community, work, and support for over 500 years.

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The Fuggerei – the world’s first public housing (2022)

The Fuggerei, established in 1521 by Jakob Fugger in Augsburg, Germany, is recognized as the world's first public housing project. The settlement provided low-cost housing to Augsburg residents who were Catholic and respectable, aiming to offer dignity and privacy to those in need. Tenants were selected based on their skills and willingness to work, with many running workshops and small businesses within the community. Initially funded by Jakob Fugger, the settlement's financing later came from the Fugger family's estates and investments. Despite being heavily damaged during World War II, the Fuggerei was rebuilt by its residents, expanding to accommodate more people. Today, around 150 individuals live in the 142 apartments, upholding the original criteria of being Catholic and residents of Augsburg. Residents contribute to the community by assisting with various tasks, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Notably, Franz Mozart, the great-grandfather of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, once resided in the Fuggerei. The settlement's enduring legacy highlights its role in providing affordable housing and fostering a strong community spirit for over 500 years.

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Link Icon 9 comments
By @netsharc - 5 months
Jakob Fugger became so rich that he loaned money to the Catholic Church to build the St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The Catholic church was panicking on how to repay those loans, that they started selling indulgences, and this lead to Martin Luther protesting, and launching Protestanism.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakob_Fugger

> In the year 1500, Jakob Fugger loaned the Vatican the money necessary to build the new St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, as well as other buildings within the Vatican. To repay Jakob the massive amount of money owed, Pope Leo X had to heavily tax the German people as well as sell indulgences, which was heavily unpopular with a large group of monks, including Martin Luther. Partly because of the corruption within the church, Martin Luther was prompted to write his Ninety-five Theses.

By @steve1977 - 5 months
What is interesting (and maybe also telling to a degree) is that this "first public housing" isn't actually "public" housing, as in government-owned. It's private.

And I would obviously fail all three requirements to get housing there: Be an Augsburg resident, a Catholic, and a respectable person.

By @ce4 - 5 months
It is still in operation and is a nice place (sometimes a bit crowded...).

PS: the old purely mechanical doorbells are also still operational (can be seen in the photograph, the forged metal rod to the left/right of the entrances)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuggerei

By @InDubioProRubio - 5 months
You goto pray 3 father-ours for the old fugger, so that he is released from purgatory.. and kukas iwa gets cheaper..
By @agent327 - 5 months
There's one in the Netherlands that dates back to 1395: https://hofjesinhaarlem.nl/hofjes-in-haarlem/hofje-de-bakene...
By @Bluestein - 5 months
One of my favourite subjects :)

- https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40754737

By @mcmcmc - 5 months
Interesting that they still discriminate based on religion.
By @cubefox - 5 months
Now I wonder whether the rent changed.
By @askafriend - 5 months
Really unfortunate name...