By the 13th century, Bruges had developed a social welfare system that was remarkably advanced for its time. The city had hospitals, almshouses, orphanages, and charitable foundations — many of which survive today as museums or social housing.

The network of godshuizen (almshouses) is unique to Bruges and Ghent. Wealthy citizens and guilds built small complexes of houses around shared courtyards, endowed them with funds, and designated them for specific groups: elderly women, retired craftsmen, widows of guild members.

Over 40 almshouse complexes survive in Bruges. Many are still used as social housing. You can walk through most of the courtyards during daylight hours. The ones on the Nieuwe Gentweg, Katelijnestraat, and Balstraat are among the prettiest — whitewashed houses, tiny gardens, and an atmosphere of calm that contrasts sharply with the busy streets outside.

Sint-Janshospitaal, founded in the 1100s, was one of the largest hospitals in medieval Europe. It treated pilgrims, travellers, and the poor — anyone who needed care, regardless of ability to pay.

The system was funded by a combination of private charity, guild contributions, and church endowments. It worked because Bruges was rich — the trading economy generated enough wealth for the fortunate to support the less fortunate.

When the economy collapsed in the 16th century, many of these institutions survived on their endowments for centuries.