Saint John's Hospital: A Journey Through Medieval Care
Explore medieval hospital wards, admire Flemish Primitive art, and discover centuries of healthcare history in Bruges' iconic landmark.
Step back in time at Saint John's Hospital, one of Europe's oldest surviving hospital buildings in Bruges. Explore its medieval wards, impressive art collection, and learn about the history of healthcare, all within the walls of this unique museum.
A brief summary to Saint John’s Hospital
- Mariastraat 38, Bruges, 8000, BE
- +3250448743
- Visit website
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the line, especially during peak season.
- Visit the old pharmacy and herb garden for a glimpse into 17th-century apothecary practices.
- Take advantage of the free multilingual audio tour available via your smartphone.
- Don't miss the monumental oak roof truss in the attic, one of the oldest in Europe.
- Check the Musea Brugge website for temporary exhibitions and events.
Getting There
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Walking
Saint John's Hospital is located in the heart of Bruges and is easily accessible on foot from the Markt (main square). From the Markt, walk west on Breidelstraat, then turn left onto Mariastraat. The hospital will be on your left, approximately a 5-10 minute walk. This route offers a pleasant stroll through the historic city center.
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Public Transport
If arriving by train at Bruges Station, take bus line 1 or 6 towards 'Brugge Centrum'. Get off at the 'Brugge Markt' stop, which is about a 5-minute walk to Saint John's Hospital. Bus tickets cost €3.00 if purchased in advance at a kiosk or €3.50 if purchased from the bus driver. Alternatively, from the train station, you can take bus lines 2, 3, 4, 11, 13, 14, or 16 to the city center. The 'O.L.V. Kerk' (Church of Our Lady) bus stop is the closest to the hospital.
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Taxi
Taxis are available at the Bruges train station and the Markt. A taxi ride from the train station to Saint John's Hospital will cost approximately €14.90, depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi fares in Bruges start at €2.40, with a cost of €2.50 per kilometer. Be aware that night tariffs (from 10 PM to 6 AM) may be higher.
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Parking
If driving, parking is available at several parking garages near the city center, including 'Parking Centrum 't Zand' and 'Parking Centrum Station'. From these parking areas, it's a short 10-minute walk to the hospital. Parking costs approximately €1.40 per hour or €7 for 24 hours. Be aware that parking in the city center can be limited.
Discover more about Saint John’s Hospital
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