(H & ampocircPital Saint-Jean was built in the middle of12nd century, and three preserved medieval parts were used until19th century. Now it is a museum. The19th century part of the hospital was restored, and it was changed into a conference center on 1976.

Public buildings, including commercial halls and bell towers in the13rd century, symbolize urban autonomy. The city hall was built around 1376-86, and it is the oldest city hall in the lowlands. (The Franc Palace in Bruges) has a complicated history. It was the residence of the Earl of the 0 th century and has been the court and municipal department since the 165438 century. The building was rebuilt at the beginning of16th century, and some parts were added in18th century. From 1795 to 1984, the court settled here, and later the municipal department.