Bürgerspitäler

Bürgerspitäler (Citizens´ hospitals), developed from medieval hospitals organized on monastic principles. Usually erected outside the town walls, these medieval hospitals provided accommodation, food and medical care for old and poor people; from the 14^th century onwards, an increasing number of hospitals were founded as charities by wealthy citizens. They only accommodated persons enjoying citizens´ rights (and their relatives). The citizens´ hospital of Vienna was founded shortly before 1257 and was situated opposite the Kärntnertor on the River Wien. In the course of the 16^th century citizens´ hospitals were founded in several towns in Lower Austria: St. Pölten, Wiener Neustadt, Stockerau, Drosendorf (1550), Gmünd (1560). This type of medieval hospital was the forerunner of modern hospitals, poor-houses and orphanages.