Pilgrims' Hall
In 1328 the hospital expanded its premises with the construction of a male pilgrim hostel, achieved by acquiring and demolishing surrounding houses to overcome a three-floor difference in level.
In 1328 the hospital expanded its premises with the construction of a male pilgrim hostel, achieved by acquiring and demolishing surrounding houses to overcome a three-floor difference in level.
Level IV - Floor 1 from the Piazza Duomo entrance
In 1328 the hospital expanded its structure with the construction of a male pilgrims' dormitory, carried out by acquiring and demolishing surrounding houses to overcome a level difference of three floors. This pilgrims' dormitory marked the beginning of the development of the area intended for male care, extending the hospital towards 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 space underwent a major decorative intervention, with the painting of the side walls and the ribbed vaults of the ceiling. With this intervention the space, in addition to its care function, also became a symbol of representation. The decorative work of the Pellegrinaio, commissioned by the hospital community, involved artists such as Domenico di Bartolo, Lorenzo di Pietro known as il Vecchietta, and Priamo della Quercia. The paintings depicted mythological and historical scenes, celebrating the life and protagonists of the hospital. In the 16th century the space underwent a structural modification with the addition of a bay and the execution of new frescoes by Giovanni di Raffaello Navesi, depicting the "payment of the baliatico". The coats of arms of the Balzana, of the Medici, of
Cosimo II and Maria Maddalena d’Austria and of the rector Claudio Saracini were placed as a sign of the hospital's growing importance in the social and political landscape of the time.
Artworks
The story of Sorore
The fresco in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicting the Story of Sorore, now hangs on the left above the side door that leads to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
The fresco in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicting the Story of Sorore, now hangs on the left above the side door that leads to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
The growth of walls
The fresco in the third bay of the pilgrims' hall shows a construction site associated with the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where some workers are engaged in the work.
The fresco in the third bay of the pilgrims' hall shows a construction site associated with the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where some workers are engaged in the work.
Agostino Novello hands the robe to the rector
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio hall, in the fourth bay on the right, depicts the Blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the figures, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio hall, in the fourth bay on the right, depicts the Blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the figures, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The Pope grants the indulgence
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right, located in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicts Eugene IV handing a parchment to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Eastern and African figures can be seen.
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right, located in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicts Eugene IV handing a parchment to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Eastern and African figures can be seen.
Care of the sick
The fresco located in the fifth bay on the left, by Domenico di Bartolo, depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars and nurses, detailing hospital life in 1378.
The fresco located in the fifth bay on the left, by Domenico di Bartolo, depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars and nurses, detailing hospital life in 1378.
The Alms
The fresco located in the fourth bay on the left of the pilgrim hall depicts a historical scene in a hospital, highlighting the weekly distribution of bread to the poor, with figures of pilgrims, the sick and nobles such as Sigismondo.
The fresco located in the fourth bay on the left of the pilgrim hall depicts a historical scene in a hospital, highlighting the weekly distribution of bread to the poor, with figures of pilgrims, the sick and nobles such as Sigismondo.
The marriage of the maidens
The "marrying-off of the maidens" is located in the fourth bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay depicts a significant scene that illustrates one of the hospital's charitable functions, related to the marriage of poor young women, a practice that fell within the welfare and social support activities of the medieval hospital.
The "marrying-off of the maidens" is located in the fourth bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay depicts a significant scene that illustrates one of the hospital's charitable functions, related to the marriage of poor young women, a practice that fell within the welfare and social support activities of the medieval hospital.
The Alms of the Little Courtyard
The alms of the small courtyard are located in the third bay of the Pilgrims' Hall. 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 and care practices of the medieval hospital.
The alms of the small courtyard are located in the third bay of the Pilgrims' Hall. 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 and care practices of the medieval hospital.
The ceiling of the pilgrims' hostel
The decoration of the ceiling of the Pellegrinaio hall, executed between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio in the five bays and in the four connecting sub-arches, depicts saints and figures, with coats of arms and vegetal motifs.
The decoration of the ceiling of the Pellegrinaio hall, executed between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio in the five bays and in the four connecting sub-arches, depicts saints and figures, with coats of arms and vegetal motifs.