The Bürgerspital

This historical complex was originally founded by the knight Nikolaus of Böhl to shelter sick people and travelers. Today, 500 years later, the extensively renovated buildings are a short-stay residence for senior citizens and were awarded the international Europa Nostra prize in 1989 for being a trend-setting model for care of the elderly. The “Bürgerhospital” foundation was awarded this prize for the excellent preservation of the medieval buildings and their conversion into a model short-stay institution for care of the elderly.

In spite of being located in the center of Deidesheim, the Baroque complex is a true haven of peace with its small church from 1496 and its extensive green spaces. However, it is not only the complex and its surroundings that set standards. The trend-setting concept of the short-stay residence introduces new approaches to satisfying the needs of senior citizens. Offering personal care, special furnishings and sanitary facilities, as well as elevators suited for wheelchairs, senior citizens are cared for in a very friendly, personal and safe atmosphere. Qualified medical and nursing personnel is immediately at hand if required.

The Bürgerspital is particularly suited for families with relatives in need of care. The respective family member is taken care of while they enjoying relaxing days in Deidesheim. The whole family benefits from this since other family members can also spend their vacations in Deidesheim or the Palatinate.

Senior citizens requiring immediate extensive care can find a place in the Bürgerspital until a long-stay residence is found. They are also given the opportunity of being trained by specialists in the necessary emergency measures so that they are well prepared for their new life situation.

The building complex of the Bürgerspital also comprises the café “Alt Deidesheim” and the guesthouse “Ritter von Böhl.” The café spoils visitors with homemade delicacies and good Palatinate wine. The guesthouse offers 22 rooms in the special atmosphere of the well-known climatic health resort of Deidesheim.
The revenues of the café and the guesthouse are used to give financial support to the work at the Bürgerhospital; this contribution makes a significant contribution to securing the continued existence of this intergenerational social center.