Hospital of Innocents — Attraction in Florence

It was created in the 15th century as a foundling hospital and served that purpose for over 5 centuries. The building, begun in 1419, was commissioned and financed by the Silk Weavers and Merchants Guild and designed and built by Brunelleschi. The rooms, cloisters and porticoes were balanced to create a harmonious architecture. Over time they were decorated with frescoes documenting the activities of the hospital and the favours of the Medici. In 1487 the façade of the loggia was adorned with individual terracotta babies created by Andrea della Robbia. These quickly became, and today still remain as, the image of the Ospedale. It was created as part of the humanistic side of the Renaissance. The first baby was accepted in 1445. During peak years over 1,000 babies per annum were left via a small window through which only new-born babies would fit.

After an historical introduction in the museum we moved to architecture and finally to the art collection. There were many donations and art works commissions. While part of the art was sold off to help pay debts there are still very important works. There is an early Botticelli from 1465, part of a fresco by the late Gothic artist Cenni di Francesco from the end of the 14th century, Domenico Ghirlandaio's "The Adoration of the Magi" (1489), examples of glazed terracotta by Luca della Robbia from around 1445-1450, and two of Andrea della Robbia's terracotta babies considered too fragile to be replaced on the loggia after restoration.

It was easy to spend 4 hours there and we hardly saw a soul. Good value for 10€ (7€ + 3€...

This is a historic hospital at Piazza Della Santissima Annunziata that started the early 15th century. Today you can visit a museum within, including several permanent collections covering the 600 year history of the hospital, the unique architecture of the building as well as the Institute's permanent collection of artworks in a lovely gallery showcasing works by Italian masters from the 14th to 17th centuries. Entry for the permanent collections only (€9 per adult). It is a fair museum if this is a subject matter of interest.

What we found interesting was the recent temporary exhibition dedicated to Alphonse Mucha, the turn of the 20th-century Art Nouveau Master. This was nicely curated with a good story of his life told and examples of famous works throughout. This was well worth seeing for fans of arts, particularly if you are a lover of...

I don’t know what this place is done to upset all these negative reviews… But please do ignore them. Probably one of the most harrowing yet grounding places. Interesting insights from children who have been born from 1989 and 1997 and now grown-up A harrowing story of babies who have left here… Some were legitimate… Unfortunately it is a sign of current day where I can’t afford to feed their children Towards the entrance of the women’s quarters, I can accept the Electrick feedback regarding the aggressive staff… But pleased do bear in mind, if Italian is not your first language… Then understandably, have a communicate with you maybe interpreted as being aggressive. They just here to do their jobs. As for feeling upset that they told off your kids… Maybe learn how to better parent your kids? Or take them to...