In the pretty village of Fuggerei, located in southern Germany’s Bavaria, people have been getting really cheap homes for over 500 years.
This special place was started in 1520 by a rich man named Jakob Fugger. What’s so amazing is that the rent has stayed the same all this time: just one euro per year.
The Fuggerei has 67 houses, a church, and a garden where people can live for almost nothing. But to live there, you need to meet some specific rules.
First, you have to be Catholic. Second, you must have lived in the Fuggerei area for at least two years before you can apply for a home. And lastly, as a way to say thank you to the Fugger family who still own the place, you need to say three prayers for them every day.
The main goal of the Fuggerei was to help people who didn’t have much money find a place to live. This idea still holds true today. Because the rent is so low, everyone living there feels like they’re part of a big family.
Many of the people who live in the Fuggerei are older or have disabilities. This has helped create a really close and caring community where everyone looks out for each other.
Over the years, the Fuggerei has become more than just a group of cheap homes. It’s a symbol of how a community can come together to help each other out.
The low rent has allowed people who might not have had a chance otherwise to have a stable and comfortable place to live. It’s also helped create a sense of belonging and unity among the residents.
The Fuggerei isn’t just a historic place with affordable homes; it’s a testament to the power of community and compassion. It shows that when people come together to help each other, amazing things can happen.
The Fuggerei continues to be a beacon of hope and support for its residents, proving that simple acts of kindness can make a big difference in people’s lives.
