The Pellegrinaio
In 1328, the hospital expanded its structure with the construction of a male pilgrim's hostel, achieved through the acquisition and demolition of surrounding houses to overcome a height difference of three stories.
In 1328, the hospital expanded its structure with the construction of a male pilgrim's hostel, achieved through the acquisition and demolition of surrounding houses to overcome a height difference of three stories.
Level IV - Floor 1 from the Piazza Duomo entrance
In 1328, the hospital expanded its structure with the construction of a male Pellegrinaio (pilgrims' hall). This was achieved by acquiring and demolishing nearby houses to overcome a height difference of three floors. This new building marked the beginning of the development of the hospital’s male assistance area, extending the complex toward Piazzetta della Selva. At the same time, a chapel dedicated to Saints Joachim and Anne was erected, and a new entrance portal was created. In the 1440s, the Pellegrinaio underwent a significant decorative transformation. The side walls and the rib-vaulted ceiling were richly painted, elevating the space beyond its purely functional role to a symbol of prestige and representation. This decorative project, commissioned by the hospital community, involved prominent artists such as Domenico di Bartolo, Lorenzo di Pietro (known as Il Vecchietta), and Priamo della Quercia. The paintings featured mythological and historical scenes that celebrated the life and key figures of the hospital. During the 16th century, the Pellegrinaio saw structural modifications, including the addition of a new bay and the execution of new frescoes by Giovanni di Raffaello Navesi, depicting the “payment of the baliatico”. The inclusion of coats of arms — of the Balzana, the Medici family, Cosimo II and Maria Maddalena of Austria, and the rector Claudio Saracini — underscored the growing social and political importance of the hospital during this period.
Artworks
Story of blessed Sorore
The fresco depicts the story of Sorore and is prominently displayed today on the left side, above the door leading to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
The fresco depicts the story of Sorore and is prominently displayed today on the left side, above the door leading to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
Enlargement of the hospital
The fresco in the third bay of the Pellegrinaio depicts a construction site related to the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where workers are engaged in their tasks.
The fresco in the third bay of the Pellegrinaio depicts a construction site related to the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where workers are engaged in their tasks.
Agostino Novello gives the habit to the rector
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio, in the fourth bay on the right, represents the blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the characters, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio, in the fourth bay on the right, represents the blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the characters, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The Pope grants an indulgence
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right located in the Pellegrinaio depicts Eugene IV handing a scroll to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Oriental and African figures can be seen.
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right located in the Pellegrinaio depicts Eugene IV handing a scroll to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Oriental and African figures can be seen.
Care of the Sick
The fresco, by Domenico di Bartolo, is located in the fifth bay on the left in the Pellegrinaio and depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars, and nurses, offering a detailed portrayal of hospital life from 1378.
The fresco, by Domenico di Bartolo, is located in the fifth bay on the left in the Pellegrinaio and depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars, and nurses, offering a detailed portrayal of hospital life from 1378.
Alms
The fresco located in the fourth bay on the left of the Pellegrinaio depicts a historical scene in the hospital, highlighting the weekly distribution of bread to the poor. It features figures of pilgrims, sick individuals, and nobles, such as the Emperor Sigismund.
The fresco located in the fourth bay on the left of the Pellegrinaio depicts a historical scene in the hospital, highlighting the weekly distribution of bread to the poor. It features figures of pilgrims, sick individuals, and nobles, such as the Emperor Sigismund.
Giving young women away in marriage
The "marriage of young girls" is located in the fourth bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay features a significant scene illustrating one of the charitable functions of the hospital: the marriage of young poor women, a practice that was part of the hospital's activities in providing assistance and social support during the medieval period.
The "marriage of young girls" is located in the fourth bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay features a significant scene illustrating one of the charitable functions of the hospital: the marriage of young poor women, a practice that was part of the hospital's activities in providing assistance and social support during the medieval period.
The alms of the corticella (Distribution of alms)
The almsgiving of the Corticella is located in the third bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay is one of the most significant, as it hosts scenes related to hospitality and the care of pilgrims, including the distribution of alms, in a context that reflects the charitable practices and assistance of the medieval hospital.
The almsgiving of the Corticella is located in the third bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay is one of the most significant, as it hosts scenes related to hospitality and the care of pilgrims, including the distribution of alms, in a context that reflects the charitable practices and assistance of the medieval hospital.
The ceiling of the Pellegrinaio
The ceiling decoration in the Pellegrinaio hall, created between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio, features saints and figures, along with coats of arms and vegetal motifs, across the five spans and four connecting arches.
The ceiling decoration in the Pellegrinaio hall, created between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio, features saints and figures, along with coats of arms and vegetal motifs, across the five spans and four connecting arches.