Sint-Jansspitaal (Saint John's Hospital), Brugge (must see)
The Saint John's Hospital was a medieval hospital in Brugge. It was founded in the mid-12th century. Located next to the Church of Our Lady, the premises contain some of Europe's oldest surviving hospital buildings.
The hospital grew during the Middle Ages and was a place where sick pilgrims and travelers were cared for. The site was later expanded with the building of a monastery and convent. In the 19th century, further construction led to a hospital with eight wards around a central building. Not until 1977 did the building's function as a hospital stop, at which time it was moved to a newer modern hospital in Brugge Sint-Pieters.
The old hospital furniture and furnishings are carefully preserved and displayed in the museum within the old building. Visitors can see the preserved herb garden and apothecary, as it was in the ancient hospital, and the attic has one of the oldest roof truss systems in the world.
The Memling Museum is part of the historic Saint John's Hospital. The place is adorned with paintings by Hans Memling, the German-born 15th-century artist. He came to Bruges from Brussels to study art under Rogier van der Weyden in 1465 and stayed on to become one of the city鈥檚 most beloved citizens.
The painting at the entrance shows the hospital as it was in the 13th century, with rows of beds set into cubicles. The altar of the chapel has a three-paneled altarpiece of Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist, which is regarded as Memling鈥檚 masterpiece. Three of his well-known paintings 鈥� The Shrine of Saint Ursula, The Virgin with the Child and the Apple, and the Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine 鈥� are found in the altar.
Tip:
Make sure you go up to the top level to see the old huge beamed roof structure if architecture interests you.
The hospital grew during the Middle Ages and was a place where sick pilgrims and travelers were cared for. The site was later expanded with the building of a monastery and convent. In the 19th century, further construction led to a hospital with eight wards around a central building. Not until 1977 did the building's function as a hospital stop, at which time it was moved to a newer modern hospital in Brugge Sint-Pieters.
The old hospital furniture and furnishings are carefully preserved and displayed in the museum within the old building. Visitors can see the preserved herb garden and apothecary, as it was in the ancient hospital, and the attic has one of the oldest roof truss systems in the world.
The Memling Museum is part of the historic Saint John's Hospital. The place is adorned with paintings by Hans Memling, the German-born 15th-century artist. He came to Bruges from Brussels to study art under Rogier van der Weyden in 1465 and stayed on to become one of the city鈥檚 most beloved citizens.
The painting at the entrance shows the hospital as it was in the 13th century, with rows of beds set into cubicles. The altar of the chapel has a three-paneled altarpiece of Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist, which is regarded as Memling鈥檚 masterpiece. Three of his well-known paintings 鈥� The Shrine of Saint Ursula, The Virgin with the Child and the Apple, and the Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine 鈥� are found in the altar.
Tip:
Make sure you go up to the top level to see the old huge beamed roof structure if architecture interests you.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Brugge. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Sint-Jansspitaal (Saint John's Hospital) on Map
Sight Name: Sint-Jansspitaal (Saint John's Hospital)
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Brugge, Belgium (See walking tours in Brugge)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Brugge, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Brugge
Creating your own self-guided walk in Brugge is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Brugge Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of Belgium's West Flanders province, Brugge is a fascinating city, distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and historic architecture. Sometimes referred to as the Venice of the North, this is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe 鈥� dating back over a millennium 鈥� with a history richer and longer than that of Belgium itself (established since 1830).
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Brugge Beer Tour
The Land of Beer that is Belgium, where each corner calls to you alluringly, has long welcomed thirsty visitors from all over the world. Of all the Belgian destinations, the medieval city of Brugge is a perfect place to promote one of the country鈥檚 most important and best-known exports. Back in the 15th century, at the peak of its commercial might, the city boasted over 50 working breweries... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Architectural Jewels Walking Tour
Within its egg-shaped boundary, the historic town of Brugge holds a wealth of architectural treasures. Both medieval and more modern creations await you practically around every corner and are fit to enchant even the most discerning viewers.
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
One such is a splendid piece of engineering called the Barge Bridge (Bargebrug). Its bright red and asymmetrical form makes it a charming spot and photo... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Churches Tour
It's not much of a secret that some of the world's most beautiful churches are found in Brugge. Renowned for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals, this Belgian city is home to several historical temples, adding a great deal of charm to its tapestry.
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Begijnhof, also known as the Beguinage Houses, is a tranquil place and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles