Site Oud Sint-Jan (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Site Oud Sint-Jan?
What makes it 85% Couple-Friendly: Couples can wander hand-in-hand through medieval wards, pause by Penone’s fountain, share a quiet picnic in the hidden orchard, and end with an atmospheric harp concert at dusk.
Positives:
- Complimentary access: All outdoor spaces, installations, and the courtyard are free to explore.
- Intimate setting: The compact grounds make it easy to stay close and find quiet corners.
Challenges:
- Limited on-site dining: No café on premises—bring snacks or plan a meal nearby.
- Variable exhibition schedules: Temporary shows change often—check the website before you go.
What is Site Oud Sint-Jan?
- A former medieval hospital complex featuring a Romanesque-Gothic chapel, 17th-century pharmacy and 19th-century circular wards
- A preserved ensemble of monastic and medical architecture housing the Museum Sint-Janshospitaal with medieval art and medical artifacts
- Architecture that unites historic brick-built hospital wings, a cloistered courtyard and contemporary exhibition spaces
What is so special about Site Oud Sint-Jan for couple trip?
- Wander the hospital’s circular gallery for a romantic stroll
- Capture couple photos at Eleonora Verbeke Square
- Discover Giuseppe Penone’s poetic water sculpture
- Picnic in the secret orchard amid historic walls
- See Picasso, Miró and Chagall in a unique former hospital
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to wander the corridors, enjoy art installations, picnic in the orchard, and visit a temporary exhibition.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Site Oud Sint-Jan
Stroll the circular courtyard:
Walk hand-in-hand through the 19th-century hospital’s central gallery and former patient wards.
Tip: Visit early when light drapes the red brick walls for softer photos.
Photo at Eleonora Verbeke Square:
Pose in the small plaza named after an 18th-century nun.
Tip: Use the fountain’s reflection for a creative couple shot.
Admire “Les veines du cloître”:
See Giuseppe Penone’s marble-and-bronze water sculpture along the old pharmacy path.
Tip: Stand under the dripping leaves to feel the gentle mist.
Picnic in the hidden orchard:
Spread a blanket in the tucked-away garden at the car-park centre.
Tip: Buy local cheese and bread from nearby Markt stalls before you arrive.
Explore modern-masters exhibitions:
View works by Picasso, Miró, Chagall and others inside the former hospital halls.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance to skip the line.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Site Oud Sint-Jan
- Combine with Museum Sint-Janshospitaal: Buy a joint ticket and see medieval art a short walk away.
- Morning visit: Arrive at opening time to avoid groups and enjoy solitude.
Reviews of Site Oud Sint-Jan
Jennilyn Sarsalejo
Big Parking 🅿️ have a wonderful terrace overlooking to the lake which all tourist Boat passing in and out to and from the Lake of Love 😘 in Brugge City Belgium Europe
Flavio Pimentel
Strikingly beautiful architecture! We passed by it with the boat and got some nice angles for pictures :)
Pascal the Guiding Dutchman
One of the oldest hospitals in the world and one of my favourite spots in Bruges. Quietness in the courtyard year round as many tourists (luckily) just keep on walking straight in the parallel 'souvenir' street. As a museum it's magnificent (and the book shop on of the cheapest).
James Charalambous
Didn't really know what to expect from this museum but I was really pleasantly surprised. It was super quiet when we went so no dodging tourists :) one of my highlights of Bruges. Lots of history, interesting pieces of art and all in a historic building. We paid extra to see the Warhol work but not sure I'd recommend that as much.. It's very small in comparison to the work of Picasso.
Jillian Robinson
Great museum exhibiting Picasso's lesser known works and passions, including pottery, drawings, etchings, and collaborations. Housed in a former hospital. There is a coat rack if you need but do know that you will need to go outside very briefly to walk between rooms.
When is the best time to visit Site Oud Sint-Jan (Bruges, Belgium)?
In spring the orchard blossoms; summer evenings often host free harp concerts; autumn light warms the red brick; winter exhibitions are perfect for a cozy indoor visit.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Temporary exhibition ticket | EUR 15 |
| Picnic supplies | EUR 10 |
| Harp concert donation | EUR 5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 30 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Site Oud Sint-Jan
Address: Mariastraat 38, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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