Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hospice Gantois, founded in 1462 by Jean de Le Cambe, known as "Gantois", was intended to accommodate thirteen indigent old people. This bourgeois of Lille, enriched by the hard trade with England, wanted to offer lodging, covered and care. The institution, attached to the Collège Saint-Pierre, was located in a poor neighbourhood, where other charitable works already existed. Eight Augustine sisters were in care from the beginning.

Over the centuries, the hospital evolved to a modern hospital. During the Second World War, he served as shelter for wounded soldiers during the Battle of Lille in 1940. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1923 and 1967, he ceased his hospital activity in 1995. Since 2003, it has been home to the Hermitage Gantois, a luxury hotel that preserves its architectural heritage.

The building, originally composed of a hall of the sick and a chapel housing the tomb of its founder, was enlarged in the 17th and 18th centuries. There is still a 15th century cross road, ancient frescoes, a cloister and a large living room. The chapel, with a privileged altar, also preserves a statue of Saint John the Baptist and remains of murals depicting Saint Piat and a holy cephalophore.

External links