Ospizio della Quarconia, Former hospice and theatre in Florence, Italy
Ospizio della Quarconia is a neoclassical building in Florence with multiple floors and functional spaces that show its shift from a charitable institution to an entertainment venue. The architectural layout reflects how rooms were adapted across different historical periods.
The building was founded in 1650 by Ippolito Francini as a charitable institution for orphans. In 1789 it was transformed into a theatre under Gioacchino Cambiagi's direction.
The name Quarconia may derive from Latin words found in Psalm 42, which were used during religious services when the building functioned as a hospice. This link to the space's spiritual past remains part of its identity today.
The building sits near Loggia dei Lanzi in central Florence and is easily reached on foot from major landmarks. Currently it stands as a historical site while awaiting renovation work.
Under the name Teatro Nazionale, the theatre hosted the first national congress of the Fasci di Combattimento in 1919. This gathering represented a significant political moment in the building's history as an entertainment space.
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