Sint-Janshospitaal

One of the oldest surviving hospital buildings in Europe, this complex in Bruges cared for the sick and pilgrims from the twelfth century onward. Its medieval wards, pharmacy and chapel now form a museum that displays medical instruments alongside a celebrated group of works by the painter Hans Memling, who created several altarpieces for the institution. The vaulted brick halls and the old apothecary evoke centuries of charitable care. The setting, between the Church of Our Lady and the canals, ranks among the most atmospheric in the city.