Godshuis De Muelenaere, Historic almshouse in Bruges, Belgium.
Godshuis De Muelenaere is a residential complex in Bruges with several houses arranged around a central courtyard containing a water well. The buildings form a compact community space that was originally built to provide homes for elderly women and remains protected today.
This complex was founded in 1613 when Johanna de Muelenaere, widow of Jacobus Reyphins, donated three farms and their lands to create homes for elderly women. Over the centuries it was renovated multiple times, most notably in the 1980s when the original 24 units were converted into eight coupled residences.
The name comes from its founder Johanna de Muelenaere, and the courtyard with its well served as a gathering place for residents. The small chapel beside the homes was where people met regularly for prayer and daily spiritual life.
The site is located at Nieuwe Gentweg 8-22 in central Bruges and is easy to reach on foot while exploring the old city. Since it is a private residential area, visitors should be respectful and stay on designated paths when visiting.
The courtyard with its old well feels timeless and gives a direct sense of how residents lived their daily lives centuries ago. This place reveals a form of community care from the past that remains visible through the preserved layout and buildings.
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