Almshouses (Godshuise De Meulenaere Sint-Josef) between Nieuwe Gentweg and Oude Gentweg, Bruges
Almshouses were built in Bruges from the 14th century onwards by wealthy families to house the poor, sick and elderly. As well as a pump and a privy they contained a chapel in which the residents had to pray twice daily for the benefactors. Although each dwelling originally consisted of one room with a tiny attic, they have now been enlarged into bigger flats – but amazingly they still fulfil the same purpose, offering social housing to less well-off, elderly citizens. Praying, though, is no longer obligatory.
Size: 5472px × 3648px
Location: Nieuwe Gentweg 8-22, Bruges
Photo credit: © Carl DeAbreu / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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