Step into living history at Sint-Janshospitaal (Hospital of St. John) in Bruges, Belgium. Founded in the mid-12th century next to the Church of Our Lady, this site features some of Europe's oldest surviving hospital buildings.
Originally established to care for sick pilgrims and travellers during the Middle Ages, the complex expanded over centuries to include a monastery, a convent, and later, eight 19th-century wards around a central structure. You can marvel at how this remarkable historic site was narrowly saved from demolition in the 1860s, thanks to passionate Gothic Revival proponents and local English residents who fought to preserve the original structure alongside a newer hospital facility. While medical care moved to a modern facility in Brugge Sint-Pieters in 1977, the city of Bruges took over these historic grounds to welcome visitors like you.
Today, you can explore part of the complex that houses the Hans Memling museum, named after the famous German-born Early Netherlandish painter. Inside, you will discover stunning artwork including Memling's triptychs, along with fascinating historical medical instruments, preserved hospital records, and other art pieces. Be sure to wander through the site's historic square, named in 2020 after Eleonora Verbeke, an 18th-century nun who served at the hospital.
What to see at Sint-Janshospitaal
- Explore some of Europe's oldest surviving medieval hospital buildings.
- Visit the Hans Memling museum to view famous Early Netherlandish triptychs.
- Examine historic medical instruments and preserved hospital records.
- See the site preserved by 1860s Gothic Revival advocates next to the Church of Our Lady.
- Stroll the square named in honor of 18th-century hospital nun Eleonora Verbeke.
Visiting tips
Be sure to explore the Hans Memling museum section to view centuries of hospital records alongside rare Early Netherlandish art.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Sint-Janshospitaal is easy to reach on Bruges’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Church of Our Lady and Groeningemuseum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Bruges travel guide.
See the full Bruges travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.