Sint-Jansspitaal (Saint John's Hospital), Bruges (must see)

Saint John's Hospital cared for sick pilgrims, travelers, the poor, and local residents for more than 800 years. The impressive brick buildings that survive today date mainly from the 13th century onward and provide a remarkable glimpse into the history of medieval healthcare.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the hospital gradually expanded as Brugge grew into one of Europe's wealthiest trading cities. A convent of Augustinian sisters was established on the site to care for patients, and additional wards, service buildings, and a pharmacy were added over the centuries. During the 19th century, new wings were constructed around a central courtyard to modernize the hospital. Medical care continued here until 1977, when services were transferred to the modern AZ Sint-Jan Hospital.

Today, the former hospital is one of Brugge's most fascinating museums. Many of the original wards, furniture, medical instruments, and religious furnishings remain in place, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of a medieval hospital. The former pharmacy displays jars, scales, herbs, and medicines once used to prepare remedies, while the peaceful herb garden recalls the medicinal plants cultivated for patients. Upstairs, visitors can admire one of Belgium's oldest preserved monumental timber roof structures.

The museum is also home to the world-famous Memling Museum, dedicated to Hans Memling, one of the leading painters of the Flemish Primitives. He received several important commissions from Saint John's Hospital, and many of his masterpieces remain exactly where they were created more than five centuries ago. Among the highlights are the magnificent Triptych of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, the richly decorated Shrine of Saint Ursula, the serene Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, and the beautiful Virgin and Child with Canon Van der Paele.

Don't miss the upper level of the museum. Besides enjoying excellent views over the medieval hospital complex, you'll be able to admire the enormous exposed timber roof, whose centuries-old beams demonstrate the remarkable craftsmanship of medieval builders.