Commanderie van Sint Jan, Nijmegen

Commanderie van Sint Jan is a medieval stone building in Nijmegen with a compact layout across multiple floors. Its thick walls enclose vaulted cellars below ground, while generous windows punctuate the outer walls throughout the structure.

Founded in 1196 as a hospital, the building passed to the Knights Hospitaller in 1214 and served their purposes for centuries. In the 17th century it transformed into a Protestant academic institution, reflecting the Netherlands' shifting religious landscape.

The name comes from the Knights Hospitaller who made this place their home in the 13th century and shaped its character. The thick walls and vaulted cellars below still reflect that monastic period, even as shops and cafes now fill the spaces.

The building sits centrally in Nijmegen and is easy to reach on foot, with ground floor spaces open to visitors. Various commercial businesses now occupy the rooms, each with their own opening times and purposes to explore.

The building stood damaged and abandoned after the Second World War until an antiques dealer saw its potential in the 1950s. He converted the ruins into a wine cellar that became a well-liked gathering place in the city.