Hospitals have long stood as symbols of compassion, healing, and service to humanity. While many associate the modern hospital with high-tech equipment and gleaming facilities, the history of hospitals stretches back over a thousand years. Some of the earliest medical institutions were founded in ancient civilizations and religious centers, and surprisingly, a few of them continue to operate even today—albeit modernized and expanded over centuries. These hospitals bear witness to the evolution of medicine, having survived wars, plagues, empires, and revolutions. In this article, we explore the ten oldest hospitals in the world that are still in operation today, showcasing how their legacy and resilience continue to shape modern healthcare.
1. Hôtel-Dieu de Paris – Paris, France (Founded in 651 AD)
Located on the Île de la Cité, right next to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Hôtel-Dieu de Paris is the oldest hospital in France and arguably the oldest in Europe that still operates. It was founded in 651 AD by Saint Landry, the Bishop of Paris, as a charitable institution for the poor and sick. For centuries, the hospital functioned under the control of the Catholic Church, serving victims of plague, famine, and war. Over time, it became associated with Paris’s leading medical schools and evolved into a modern teaching hospital. Today, it operates as part of the Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris network and is involved in emergency medicine, ophthalmology, and clinical research, while maintaining its historical architecture and legacy.
2. St Bartholomew’s Hospital – London, UK (Founded in 1123 AD)
Commonly known as Barts, St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London is the oldest hospital in the United Kingdom still providing care on its original site. It was founded in 1123 by Rahere, a courtier of King Henry I who became an Augustinian monk. Throughout the centuries, Barts played a key role in medieval and modern medicine. The hospital has witnessed everything from the Black Death to World War bombings and still stands strong in central London. Today, it is part of Barts Health NHS Trust and specializes in cardiac care and cancer treatment. The hospital also has a museum that displays medical artifacts and documents dating back to the Middle Ages.
3. Santo Spirito in Sassia – Rome, Italy (Founded in 727 AD, Rebuilt in 1198)
The Hospital of Santo Spirito in Sassia was originally established in 727 AD but was rebuilt by Pope Innocent III in 1198 after a devastating fire. Located near the Vatican, this hospital became one of the most important in medieval Europe and was considered a model for charity hospitals throughout the continent. It served as a refuge for abandoned children, poor pilgrims, and the sick. In the Renaissance era, it introduced innovative medical practices, including autopsies and anatomy studies. Although today the facility no longer operates as a full hospital, parts of it still function for outpatient care and administrative purposes, and it remains an important symbol of the Church’s role in the history of healthcare.
4. Hotel-Dieu de Lyon – Lyon, France (Founded in 542 AD)
Hotel-Dieu de Lyon traces its origins back to 542 AD, though it gained prominence in the 12th century. Initially a modest structure along the Rhône River, it grew over time into one of the largest hospitals in France. For centuries, it cared for the poor, sick, and travelers, operated largely by religious orders. The grand 18th-century building that stands today is a testament to Lyon’s medical heritage. While it ceased full hospital operations in 2010, some medical services continued until recently, and parts of the building now house the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie and a luxury hotel, preserving its architectural and historical significance.
5. Pantokrator Hospital (Now Balıklı Greek Hospital) – Istanbul, Turkey (Founded in 1136 AD)
The Pantokrator Hospital, established in 1136 during the Byzantine Empire by Empress Irene of Hungary, was one of the finest medical institutions in Constantinople. After the Ottoman conquest, the facility evolved over the centuries and is now known as the Balıklı Greek Hospital. Located in Istanbul, it still operates today, serving the Greek Orthodox community and the general public. It offers modern medical services such as internal medicine, geriatrics, and surgery while preserving historical elements of its Byzantine foundation. The hospital is a living example of continuity through empire transitions, religious shifts, and cultural changes.
6. St Thomas’ Hospital – London, UK (Founded in 1100 AD)
St Thomas’ Hospital was originally established around 1100 AD, and though it has changed locations multiple times, its legacy has remained continuous. Initially situated in Southwark, it served as a monastic infirmary before expanding into a general hospital. The current site, located opposite the Houses of Parliament on the River Thames, opened in the 19th century. St Thomas’ is closely associated with Florence Nightingale, who established her first nursing school here in 1860, shaping the future of nursing worldwide. Today, it is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and is renowned for its cardiology, critical care, and medical education.
7. Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh – Edinburgh, Scotland (Founded in 1729 AD)
Though relatively newer than others on this list, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is the oldest major teaching hospital in Scotland. It was founded in 1729 by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, primarily to serve the poor. The hospital quickly became a leading institution in medical education and research, and many innovations in modern medicine have roots here, including the use of antiseptics and anesthesia. While the original building has been repurposed, the hospital now functions from a modern facility at Little France and remains a critical part of the NHS Lothian system, specializing in trauma, surgery, and teaching.
8. Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Hospital – Petah Tikva, Israel (Founded in 1936 AD)
Beilinson Hospital, now part of Rabin Medical Center, was established in 1936 in what was then British Mandate Palestine. It began as a workers’ hospital, created to serve the growing Jewish population during a period of intense immigration and settlement. Though not as old as medieval institutions, it represents the continuity of organized healthcare under challenging socio-political conditions. Today, it is one of Israel’s largest and most advanced hospitals, known for transplantation, cardiology, and oncology. Its historic importance lies in bridging ancient traditions of healing with a modern national healthcare system.
9. Vienna General Hospital (Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien) – Vienna, Austria (Founded in 1693 AD)
The Vienna General Hospital (AKH) was officially founded in 1693, though its roots go back even earlier. It became one of the most prominent medical centers in Europe during the Enlightenment, hosting legendary figures such as Ignaz Semmelweis, who introduced handwashing as a preventive measure in obstetrics. The hospital was also a hub for groundbreaking research in psychiatry, surgery, and pathology. While the original facility in central Vienna was replaced by a modern campus in the late 20th century, the institution continues to be one of the largest hospitals in Europe, affiliated with the University of Vienna and specializing in nearly every field of modern medicine.
10. Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova – Florence, Italy (Founded in 1288 AD)
The Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova in Florence was founded in 1288 by Folco Portinari, the father of Dante Alighieri’s muse, Beatrice. It has served the people of Florence for over 700 years and continues to operate today. The hospital was one of the first to adopt the use of quarantine for infectious diseases and played a central role during outbreaks of the plague. It has also been associated with the Renaissance movement, with artists like Michelangelo contributing to its development. The hospital’s current focus includes general care, geriatrics, and rehabilitation, and its rich medical museum displays instruments and documents from centuries past.
Conclusion
These ancient hospitals offer more than just healthcare—they are living embodiments of human compassion, resilience, and medical progress across the ages. They have stood the test of time through plagues, political upheavals, and technological revolutions, continuing to serve their communities in new and modern ways. The longevity of these institutions highlights how healthcare, at its core, is a timeless endeavor, deeply rooted in history and driven by an enduring mission to heal and serve. As they adapt to the modern world, these hospitals serve as bridges between the past and the future of medicine, reminding us of the profound legacy upon which today’s innovations are built.