Live in This Real-Life Medieval Village For One Euro A Year
In Augsburg, Germany, you can experience life in a real medieval village for less than the cost of a cup of coffee, just under one euro per year. Founded in 1521 by the wealthy banker Jakob Fugger, the Fuggerei is the world’s oldest social housing complex still in operation.
Residents pay about $1 annually and follow a few simple community rules, including volunteering and daily prayer. Despite surviving wars, air raids, and the pressure of modern rent hikes, this walled village continues to provide affordable housing for 160 residents who might otherwise struggle to afford city life.
With its bright yellow row houses, nightly locked gates, and a steady flow of curious tourists, the Fuggerei is more than just a place to live, it’s a remarkable symbol of history, compassion, and the enduring impact of accessible housing.
Can Anyone Live There?
Nope! To qualify, you must meet very specific criteria:
-Be a practicing Catholic
-Have lived in Augsburg at least 2 years
-Prove financial need
-Be able to live independently
There’s a waiting list, and the screening is taken seriously. Only around 150 people live there at any given time.
Lana Backman
