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In Florence there is the oldest hospital in the world: Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova, founded in 1288 by Folco Portinari, whose daughter Beatrice inspired Dante’s Divine Comedy.
The building, still a hospital, is composed of several reinassance cloisters and at the moment is under an important restoration. Inside the building, in a caveau, an incredible collection of art pieces: paintings, statues, pieces of furniture, chandeliers, relics waiting for being shown in a proper museum. In the meanwhile they are requested for temporary exhibit such as at the Strozzi Palace of Florence: Springtime of Renaissance opening next March 23. There, a closing panel of a tabernacle by Ghiberti, a fresco by Bicci di Lorenzo and a terracotta by Dello Dello will be on shown.
Besides in the underground of the hospital there are three granite basins where around the beginning of the XVI century washed the Hospital robes and sheets, but also where Leonardo da Vinci mada his dissections on cadavers.
Do visit Florence and reserve a private tour with your art expert and authorized guide of Florence. It will be always a surprise!
