Hôpital Santa Maria della Scala, Medieval hospital complex in Siena, Italy.
The hôpital Santa Maria della Scala is a medieval hospital complex in Siena, stretching across multiple levels and positioned directly across from the cathedral. The building contains several exhibition areas throughout its spaces and features many original structures from its founding era.
The building was established in the 11th century as a hospice for pilgrims and later became one of Siena's most influential institutions. Its economic power grew significantly over centuries through donations, land ownership, and banking operations.
The complex displays frescoes from the 1300s that decorated its walls and corridors, and it preserves the original marble sculptures that once adorned the public fountain outside the cathedral. These artworks reveal how the institution and the city's patrons expressed their devotion and status through art.
The complex is centrally located in the city and easily accessible on foot from the main square. The spaces spread across multiple floors, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for a visit that allows time to explore its various sections.
The lower levels of the complex reveal archaeological finds and storage areas that document centuries of medical and social care. These buried layers tell the story of what took place within these walls across generations.
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