

On the other side of the Basilica of S.M.Novella, we may view the vast edifice with the loggia of the former S. Paolo hospital, which is now a twentieth-century museum. The name of this huge edifice, built in the early twelfth century, comes from the settlement that sprang up around the Porta S.Paolo and the old church of S.Paolino. The structure we see now was beyond the first municipal circle, and as is customary, it became a rest stop for pilgrims, complete with an associated hospital for any eventuality. Throughout its history, the hospital has undergone various architectural and management changes, such as the “Pinzocheri” (lay people who belonged to a religious order leading a devoted life, prayer, and charity), Dominicans, and members of the T.O.R (Tertus Ordo Regularis Sancti Francisci) or Franciscan tertiary. However, it would not be until the mid-fifteenth century that today’s hospital will take shape, due to architect Michelozzo.
Via Palazzuolo connects the old structures, including the long dormitory hall, Corsia. The Loggia (1489-1496) on the piazza is supported by Corinthian columns and was inspired by Brunelleschi’s Loggia for the Foundling Hospital at Piazza Santissima Annunziata. In 1789, Giuseppe Salvetti rebuilt the crumbling columns of the portico. Pietro Francavilla’s bust of Ferdinando I de’Medici (about 1594) sits in the center. The church’s portal features a Della Robbia terracotta lunnete depicting the encounter of St Francis and Dominic.
This is due to the work of the “Spedalingo” (Hospital Rector) Benini, who is depicted at the two ends of the loggia in two spherical carriages by Andrea della Robbia. Andrea della Robbia’s medallions of Franciscan saints are shown in the spandrels. At the end of the loggia on the side of via della Scala, we see the large door surmounted by Andrea della Robbia’s bezel depicting the meeting of S. Francesco and S. Domenico, and it is precisely in that location that the church of S. Paolo was later named gods Contemporary area intended for the convalescence of the poor and infirm, as decreed by Cosimo I. At the request of Grand Duke Leopoldo, the suppressed building, together with the hospital, was converted into an educational establishment known as Leopoldine Schools. If you go to the center of Santa Maria Novella square and look in the direction of the former St. Poul Hospital, you will see the old church’s sailing bell tower again.
In the square in front of this ex Hospital of St. Poul there is Santa Maria Novella square where you can find several Nice hotel of Florence. In front of Minerva Hotel in the other side the square next to the facade of Santa Maria Novella Church, we are starting our tour. We are running a Free Walking Tour of Florence. So if you want discover some secrets and mystery about this beautiful renaissance tow come with us. with our expert guide, all the guide are local, you will have the possibility to see square church and monument of Florence for free. Our Florence Free Tour is base on tips, book online and come with us.