BRUGES, Belgium — An ornamental sculpture adorns the exterior of Sint-Janshospitaal (Old St. John's Hospital), with the Gothic spire of the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk) rising in the background. This view captures the relationship between two of Bruges' most significant medieval religious buildings. The architectural details reflect the city's rich medieval heritage.
Photograph by David Coleman. A decorative architectural sculpture on Sint-Janshospitaal's exterior exemplifies medieval ornamental craftsmanship, while the backdrop features the prominent spire of Bruges' Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk). This composition captures the architectural dialogue between two significant medieval institutions: one of Europe's oldest surviving hospitals and one of Bruges' most important churches. The hospital, dating from the 11th century, demonstrates the medieval practice of incorporating decorative elements into institutional architecture, while the church spire represents the Gothic architectural style that dominated medieval Bruges. This view illustrates the close proximity of religious and medical institutions in medieval urban planning, with both buildings contributing to the distinctive skyline of historic Bruges. The preservation of these architectural elements provides insight into medieval urban design and the relationship between healthcare and religious institutions.
Size: 4476px × 6706px
Location: Sint-Janshospitaal, Brugge, West Flanders, Belgium
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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