The Fuggerei is an unusual walled city within a city, which is known as the world's oldest housing project. Established in 1521 by wealthy merchant Jakob Fugger, this complex was designed to provide housing for Augsburg catholic residents in need. According to the foundation's charter, residents of the 140 flats are required to pray 3 times a day and pay an annual rent of 1 guilder (.88 Euro/$.90 US), which has not changed in 500 years!
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For non-residents there is a fee to enter, but you are rewarded with a walk through a quirky medieval village. The houses are numbered with gothic numerals including the half eight for the number 4, as in house number 14 the home of Franz Mozart, great grandfather of the famous composer.
There were no common stairwells. Each unit has its own separate entry, so as to monitor the comings and goings of the occupants. Each door also has a unique door bell pull so that residents could find their way in the dead of night. There is also an ornate chapel, numerous sculpted Madonnas and patron saints, and yes, a bier garten.
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