Former Hospital of San Paolo

The Hospital of San Paolo, located in Piazza Santa Maria Novella in Florence, is a monumental complex of great historical and artistic relevance. Founded in the early 13th century, around 1208 or 1211, it initially served as a hospice for pilgrims, dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle. The complex, also known as the Hospital of San Paolo dei Convalescenti, has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, reflecting the social and architectural changes of Florence. During the Renaissance, the hospital was expanded to improve the services offered to the sick and pilgrims. In 1403, the hospital was restructured to accommodate patients discharged from other Florentine hospitals during the convalescence period. This expansion and reorganization aligned with the humanistic practices of the time, which aimed to improve the living conditions of the sick. A distinctive feature of the hospital is the loggia, built in the 15th century, which imitates the style of Brunelleschi’s works. The loggia, with its ten arches supported by columns and pillars, is decorated with glazed terracotta roundels, works by Andrea della Robbia, depicting saints linked to the Franciscan world. These roundels are a magnificent example of Renaissance art and add significant artistic value to the structure. The facade of the loggia was originally decorated with faux graffiti, a decorative element removed during a restoration intervention in the early 20th century, aimed at restoring the original appearance of the building. Over the centuries, the hospital has continued to evolve. During the Nazi occupation, from September 1943 to July 1944, the premises were requisitioned by Nazi troops and used as a gathering place for victims of roundups before deportation to Germany. This dark period is a significant chapter in the history of the hospital and the city of Florence. In the 20th century, the complex underwent further modifications and restorations. In the 1950s, the structure underwent restoration work, and in 1967 the loggia was restored. After the closure of the Leopoldine Schools in 1976, the complex was intended for various uses, including an elementary school that was never realized due to organizational difficulties. A restoration and adaptation intervention was carried out between 1998 and 2000, with the project by architect Patrizia Moreno and the site management by architect Marco Baldini. In 2006, a part of the complex was designated to house the Alinari Museum of Photography, which closed in 2014. Subsequently, another part of the hospital was transformed into the Novecento Museum, inaugurated in 2014, which exhibits 20th-century artworks, with particular attention to Italian artists.