Hôpital Saint Jean, Former hospital in Angers, France
Hôpital Saint Jean is a former hospital in Angers featuring Gothic architecture with vaulted ceilings and supporting columns in its main hall. The complex includes a chapel, administrator's residence, and storage buildings now used for exhibitions and displays.
The hospital was founded in 1175 following a request from Henry II Plantagenet. It provided medical care until 1865, when operations moved to a newer facility.
The complex now houses the Jean Lurçat Museum, displaying modern tapestries and medieval objects within its historic walls. The collection "Le Chant du Monde" anchors the museum's presentation and draws visitors interested in textile art and medieval heritage.
The site is accessible in central Angers with ample space to explore its various buildings and grounds. Plan to spend time viewing exhibitions throughout the chapel and interconnected rooms at a leisurely pace.
The original rules from the 13th century required patients to confess or receive sacraments in the chapel when admitted. This practice reveals how closely medical care and spiritual life were intertwined in medieval institutions.
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