Sint-Janshospitaal (Saint John’s Hospital)

Overview

Sint-Janshospitaal, also known as Saint John’s Hospital, is a medieval hospital building that now houses the Hans Memling Museum. It is one of the oldest hospital buildings in Europe and offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval healthcare and the life of the friars who ran it.

As one of the oldest hospital buildings in Europe, Sint-Janshospitaal provides valuable insights into medieval healthcare practices and the history of Bruges.

Historical Cultural

Location

Address

Mariastraat 38, Bruges, West Flanders

Neighborhood: Historical Center

Coordinates

51.206400, 3.226800

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

€12

Children

€8 (ages 6-18)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-May, October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better lighting for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild

• spring flowers in the courtyard
• Medieval Medicine Exhibit

summer

warm to hot

• extended opening hours
• outdoor performances

autumn

cool and crisp

• fall foliage in the courtyard
• Historic Art Exhibit

winter

cold

• holiday decorations
• warm indoor exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Bring valid ID
Check weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

ID printed or digital tickets comfortable shoes

seasonal

jacket umbrella hat and gloves in winter

not allowed

large backpacks professional camera equipment without permission drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low to moderate, some walking and stairs

• uneven surfaces in some areas
• stairs in historic building

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

credit cards, debit cards, cash in local currency

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Typical Costs

entry €12

guided tour €20

parking €3

food €15

souvenirs €10-€50

Dress Code

casual, comfortable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toe shoes recommended for indoor areas, inappropriate or revealing clothing, no specific restrictions

Booking Tips

• at least 1 week
• official website or authorized ticket vendors
• 24 hours in advance for full refund
• available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Bruges Heritage App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Augmented Reality (AR) experiences

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor Center, Café, Courtyard

Charging Stations: Visitor Center, Café

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Brussels Airport (BRU)

Distance: 100 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

taxi

€120-€150 1 hour 15 min

public_transport

€25-€30 1 hour 30 min

From City Center

Distance: 1 km

walking

15 min

bicycle

€5-€10 for bike rental 10 min

bus

€1.50 10 min

taxi

€10-€15 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Sint-Janshospitaal is a beloved historical site that showcases the rich medieval heritage of Bruges. Locals appreciate its well-preserved architecture and the insights it provides into the city's past.

Historical Significance: Founded in 1150, Sint-Janshospitaal is one of the oldest hospital buildings in Europe. It served as a hospital for nearly 700 years and now houses the Hans Memling Museum, featuring works by the famous Flemish painter.

Insider Tips

Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience
The café offers delicious local pastries and coffee
Check for special exhibitions and events before your visit

Local Recommendations

• Try local Flemish dishes at the on-site café
• Ask for recommendations from the knowledgeable staff
• Visit the nearby Basilica of the Holy Blood

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hallo

thank_you Dank u

where_is Waar is

how_much Hoeveel kost

beautiful Mooi

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Courtyard

Best Time: Golden hour (late afternoon)

Tips: Wide shots to capture the entire courtyard

Result: Beautiful photos with soft lighting

#Bruges #Medieval #History #TravelBelgium

Main Hall

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Focus on architectural details

Result: Stunning shots of the historic interior

#Architecture #History #Bruges

Garden View

Best Time: Spring or Autumn

Tips: Use natural frames like arches and windows

Result: Picturesque views of the garden

#Garden #Nature #Bruges

Photography Rules

allowed areas courtyard, outdoor areas, specific indoor areas

prohibited areas exhibitions with sensitive artifacts, private areas

flash photography not allowed in most indoor areas

commercial photography permit required for commercial use

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy allowed in outdoor areas, restricted indoors

selfie sticks allowed but use discretion to avoid disturbing others

Nearby Attractions

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Religious Site

Belfry of Bruges

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Historical Tower

Markt Square

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Town Square

Groeningemuseum

Distance: 400m

Walking: 6 min

Type: Museum

Minnewater Park

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Park

Reviews

4.7

Based on 850 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book tickets online in advance"
"Visit early to avoid crowds"
"Don't miss the courtyard"
"Combine with a visit to the Basilica of the Holy Blood"

Contact Information

+32 50 47 37 98

info@sintjanshospitaal.be

www.sintjanshospitaal.be

Social Media

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