The Muristan

Why stop here

An open square in a city with almost none. The name comes from the Persian bimaristan, a hospital. Crusader hospitals stood here from the 11th century.

Look for

• The ornamental fountain at the centre, from the 19th century.
• Suq Aftimos around it, selling leather.
• The Church of the Redeemer tower, dedicated in 1898.

Context

After Saladin took the city in 1187, his nephew turned the hospital church into an asylum. That is where the area's name comes from. It has been a market for most of the time since.

To the next stop

Walk north-west about 85 m to the mosque.