The Spedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of Abandoned Children) was the first orphanage in Europe.This project planning was started and completed by Filippo Brunelleschi that worked there from 1419 to 1427,
The Opera was subsidized at the expense of the Art of Silk. The path inside the museum is ordered according to three thematic strands:
History, Architecture and Art. Other points tell and involve us with actions on objects in use in this unique institution. It was inaugurated in January 1445; on day 5 February the first baby girl was welcomed here. Her name was Agata Smeralda. Unwanted Children they were abandoned anonymously.
Brunelleschi’s architecture for the Ospedale degli Innocenti.was inserted optimally into the beautiful Square Santissima Annunziata. It is one of the most typical Renaissance squares in Florence .and determined the urban conformation of all adjacent buildings.
In the Art Path, beautiful paintings are shown, mostly related to the history of the Istituto of Innocent..
Among the most important works we find: Madonna with Child and angels by Sandro Botticelli, works by Andrea Verrocchio, the famous artist to whom workshop the very young Leonardo da Vinci began his studies and the Adoration of the Magi by Domenico Ghirlandaio. On the fourth floor the Caffè del Verone where we can make a pleasant break.
Curiosity:
The wheel where the little babies were left was removed on June 30, 1875. The last two children who were left between 22 and 24 hrs of that day. A female and a male were given the names respectively: Laudata Chiusuri (meaning is closing) and Ultimo Lasciati (Left Last.).
Details:
Admission Tickets:. €. 7.00
Opening hours From Monday to Sunday from 10 to 19 excluding
of 25 December and 1 January.
