Elisabeth Gasthuis, Protected monument hospital in District of Antwerp, Belgium
The Elisabeth Gasthuis is a hospital in Antwerp featuring medieval architectural forms, including barrel vaults with cross arches. The building still functions as a medical facility today while preserving these distinctive structural features from its past.
The building was originally constructed in 1616 as a residential structure on Antwerp's city wall. Archaeological work in the early 21st century uncovered sections of this ancient fortification beneath the foundation, revealing that the structure was built upon existing defensive infrastructure.
Local residents recognize this building as a historical marker of how Antwerp developed over time and its long tradition of caring for the sick. Visitors can trace these layers of the past in the stonework itself, seeing how the city grew and changed across the centuries.
The building is located at Leopoldstraat 26 and remains accessible to visitors during regular facility hours as an active medical center. Regular maintenance and restoration work ensure that the historical features remain intact and safe for both patients and guests.
The cellar contains a distinctive staircase tower that shaped the original floor layout and eliminated the need for internal stairs. This design approach reflects how medieval residential buildings were built with practical space-saving solutions in mind.
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