Beaune FranceHospices de Beaune/Hôtel Dieu

Home to the 'most famous wine auction in the world.' Not many hospitals can say that, the Hospices de Beaune or Hôtel Dieu can. The yearly auction, first held in 1859, takes place in November and is a charity auction that raises money to fund the hospital.

The Hospices de Beaune was built in 1443 to serve those in need of health care who could not pay. Nicolas Rolin a confidant of the Duke of Burgundy had the wealth and drive to have the Hospices de Beaune built. At the time of its founding over three quarters of Beaune population was living in poverty. As a result of the 100 years war just about all the peasants in region were driven from their land and had to take refuge in Beaune.

Not only is the Hospices de Beaune famous for its auction and 61 hectares of vineyard but also for its rooftops and their multicolored tiles that form geometrical patterns, as it was at the Hospices de Beaune that this type of decoration was created. Multicolored roofs are now a seen throughout Burgundy and are one of its better-known trademarks.

Today the Hospices de Beaune is a museum, its hospital function was transferred to another local hospital I 1971. Visits are self-guided with brochures in English. Give yourself an hour to see everything.

The highlight of the Hospices de Beaune is the Great Hall of the Poor with its 24 beds and ceiling shaped liked an upturned keel. This very long room was the center of the hospital and housed it sick; it is restored to look as it did in the 18th century. Also notable is the Saint Louis Room and Polyptch which house the Hospices de Beaune's artwork.

Related Link:
www.hospices-de-beaune.com

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