Albergo Delle Povere, Historical civil building museum in Corso Calatafimi, Palermo, Italy
Albergo Delle Povere is a historic civil building in Palermo that combines late Baroque and Neoclassical styles, with a grand facade featuring ornate symmetrical details. The rectangular layout with interior courtyards was designed as a large complex to accommodate and organize many residents at once.
Founded in 1733 under King Charles III of Bourbon, construction began in 1746 under architect Orazio Furetto. It was completed in 1772 with contributions from several other architects who shaped the final design.
The building served as a shelter where poor people, disabled individuals, and orphans found work in silk and pasta workshops. Walking through the spaces, you can sense how daily life and labor were organized in these rooms.
The building is best reached by public transportation as it sits on Corso Calatafimi, a major street in the city. It is worth checking opening hours ahead of time, as these can vary by season and day of the week.
The complex's central church was originally designed as an octagon but was changed to a rectangular form during construction. This transformation reveals how architectural choices could shift and adapt as the building took shape.
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