Saint John’s Hospital

Saint John’s Hospital, located in central Bruges near the Church of Our Lady, is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe. Dating back to the 12th century, it served as a place of care and shelter for the sick and travelers. Today, it is a museum showcasing centuries of medical history, religious art, and Flemish masterpieces, making it one of Bruges' most captivating historical attractions. The old hospital pharmacy and herb garden also offer a glimpse into historical medicine, showcasing apothecary jars, tools, and recipes used centuries ago.

It houses six paintings of Hans Memling and various other artworks - furniture, sculptures, silverware, pewterware, medical instruments, apothecary, and hospital records showcasing how hospitals functioned back in the medieval age. This medieval hospital started as a place for caring for the rest of the sick and tired. Only later, in the 19th century, when the building was expanded, did it become a proper hospital with eight wards. This building stopped the operations of the hospital in 1977 when it was shifted to a better complex in Brugge-Sint Pieters. It was then handed over to the Bruges government, which converted it into a museum of sorts. This hospital is located at a distance from all other attractions.