Hôpital de La Grave, Medical heritage site in Saint-Cyprien, Toulouse, France.
The Hôpital de La Grave is a medical complex in Saint-Cyprien featuring multiple connected buildings arranged around a central dome that faces the Garonne River. The site currently houses departments for geriatrics, social medicine, sexual health, and child psychiatry with specialized care beds.
Written records of the hospital date to 1197 through a charter granted by Count Raymond IV of Toulouse, documenting its founding. It underwent major expansion between 1508 and 1514 in response to severe plague outbreaks affecting the region.
The facility began as a refuge for people with plague and gradually evolved into a place caring for the poor and vulnerable in the city. Over the centuries, it transformed into a symbol of how healthcare shifted from treating emergencies to providing ongoing support for those in need.
The site sits directly along the Garonne River and is easily accessible from the old town. Several buildings are open to visitors, particularly the historic areas showcasing the traditional architecture.
The name La Grave comes from the French word 'grève' meaning a sandy riverbank, as the hospital was originally built on this exact type of terrain along the Garonne. This geographical name still reflects the site's original position by the water.
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