Saint-John's Hospice


Bruges biggest hospital, namely the Saint-John (Sint-Jan) lies, since 1977, outside the Bruges city gates. You can see more photos of this imposing building by looking up their site : http://www.azbrugge.be/ . The first, truly original Sint-Jan is right next to it and some parts were built as long ago as the beginning of the 13th Century. Then, between 1856 and 1858, building of this huge structure was started. There were eight large wards were the sick were bedded. It became quite unfeasable to continue using those ancient buildings for the exercise of medicine and healthcare, and thus, the practise was abandoned in 1976. Extensive restoration work was undertaken and the old complex is now used as a community centre, which boasts an internet-café as well.











