Almshouses
Almshouses – representatives of a centuries-old heritage of care
With their picturesque gardens, chapel and white-painted houses, Bruges' almshouse complexes are the ideal place to take a moment and unwind.
Almshouses were established from the 14th century onwards as an act of charity, either by craft guilds or by wealthy citizens who wanted to gain prestige on earth and secure a place in heaven. In return for a modest rent, they gave shelter to needy elderly people or widows with no means of subsistence. Originally, the houses consisted of a single room that served as a kitchen, living room and bedroom, with an attic as a storage space.
All over the city centre, you will find these residential complexes, most of which still bear the name of their original founders. Until the end of the ancien régime, they belonged to private foundations. While the country was under French administration, the government expropriated them and brought them under public administration. The majority of these now adapted, comfortable homes, are now rented to senior citizens by the welfare organisation Mintus at low prices.
Below is a list of some particularly beautiful complexes:
De Meulenaere en Sint-Jozef (Nieuwe Gentweg 8-22)
Sint-Joosgodshuis (Ezelstraat 83-105)
Godshuis De Vos (Noordstraat 6-14)
O.L.V.-van-Blindekens (Kreupelenstraat 12-16)
De Pelikaan (Groenerei 8/1-4)
Zorghe, Paruitte en Schippers (Stijn Streuvelsstraat)
Van Volden en De Moor (Boeveriestraat 50-76)
Het Rooms Convent (Katelijnestraat 9-19)
De Vette Vispoort (Moerstraat 10)
