Almshouses (Godshuizen) of Bruges were set up in medieval times by trade guilds and wealthy merchants for the poor & aged. They usually consist of about six little cottages, and a communal chapel, well and small garden. Many more were built in later centuries as Bruges' wealth declined and by the 18th century there were 300, of which 42 buildings survive today which are charming & well-kept by their more affluent owners. This is the Godshuizen de Vos on Noordstraat, founded in 1683, although the chapel seen here was built 30 years later