The godshuizen (almshouses) of Bruges are one of the city's most distinctive features — and one of the least visited. These small complexes of houses around shared courtyards were built by wealthy citizens, guilds, and religious orders to house the elderly, widows, and the poor.

Over 40 survive, many still functioning as social housing. The courtyards are generally open to visitors during daylight hours, though the houses themselves are private.

A good walking route starts at the De Vos almshouse on Noordstraat (1713), a tiny courtyard with a rose garden. Walk south to the Meulenaere and Sint-Jozef almshouses on Nieuwe Gentweg (1613) — a larger complex with a chapel and well-maintained gardens.

Continue to the Godshuis De Pelikaan on Groeninge (1634). The pelican symbol above the gate represents charity — the pelican feeding its young with its own blood.

South along Katelijnestraat, the Van Volden almshouse (1420s) has a long, narrow garden visible through the gate. It was endowed by a wealthy merchant to house poor widows.

Finish at the Begijnhof — technically not an almshouse but sharing the same communal principle. The largest and most famous of Bruges' enclosed communities.

What's remarkable is how the almshouse system anticipated modern social housing by 600 years. The principle — that the wealthy have an obligation to house those who can't afford it — is embedded in Bruges' architecture and continues today. Some of the almshouses are managed by the city's social welfare office, providing affordable housing in the heart of a tourist city.