What do we call a medieval hospital or shelter for travelers, often run by religious orders?

The story behind the answer

In medieval Europe, these were charitable houses run by monasteries or religious orders that offered lodging, food, and basic care to pilgrims and travelers. The term comes from Latin hospitium, meaning hospitality. Unlike a hostel (commercial lodging), an infirmary (the sick ward inside a monastery), or an almshouse (long-term relief for the local poor), they specifically served wayfarers and the needy on the road.

They dotted major pilgrimage routes like the Camino de Santiago and roads to Rome and Jerusalem. Some, such as those supported by the Knights Hospitaller, grew into full-fledged hospitals. Over time, the concept branched: “hospital” kept the medical sense, while the word now often denotes compassionate end-of-life care—both heirs of medieval charity.