Bruges - Oud Sint-Janshospitaal

Bruges already had its city charter in 1128 and was a very important member of the Hanseatic League. It was the prospering center of the Flemish cloth industry. Most merchandise was punted on boats through the city. The large cog-ships were moored in the harbor.

Between 1200 and 1500 Bruges had a kind of "Golden Era". Bruges was a leading European business community, - a large group of innovative and daring entrepreneurs.

The building seen in front is part of the "Oud Sint-Janshospitaal" (= "Old St. John's Hospital"), one of the oldest hospital buildings in Europe. Founded in the 11th-century the hospital was later expanded with the building of a monastery and convent.