Museum
Old St. John's Hospital
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Old St. John's Hospital (Sint-Janshospitaal) is one of Europe's oldest surviving hospital buildings, dating back to the 12th century. Today, it houses a museum that blends medical history with a fine arts collection. Visitors can walk through the original hospital wards, chapel, and pharmacy, seeing how patients were cared for in the Middle Ages. Exhibits include antique surgical instruments, apothecary jars, and hospital beds. The museum also displays works by Hans Memling, a renowned 15th-century painter, including his famous St. Ursula Shrine. The atmosphere is calm and contemplative, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. Its location near the Church of Our Lady makes it a perfect stop for history and art lovers.
Don't miss
- See the 17th-century hospital pharmacy with original jars and herbs
- Admire Hans Memling's masterpiece, the St. Ursula Shrine
- Walk through the historic ward with vaulted ceilings and old beds
- View a collection of medieval surgical tools and medical manuscripts
- Visit the tranquil chapel with its original frescoes
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Old St. John's Hospital
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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