The Hospital del Ceppo Museum in Pistoia is situated in piazza Giovanni XXIII, in the most ancient part of the former hospital complex. Founded in 1277, it served as the city’s hospital until recent times. It also housed a prestigious teaching school for surgeons with an anatomical theatre that is perfectly conserved today.
The display route illustrates the historical, architectural and artistic features of the building and the history of medicine in Pistoia, with exhibits featuring instruments from a range of eras, including a collection of surgical tools, and modern multimedia support.
The portico on the façade, reminiscent of the Spedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Foundlings) in Florence, has an impressive glass-glazed terracotta frieze of the Seven Works of Mercy, a Renaissance masterpiece by Santi Buglioni whose last scene was completed 50 years later by Filippo di Lorenzo Paladini of Pistoia. There are also medallions (tondi and mezzi-tondi) by Giovanni della Robbia and his school amidst the arches, featuring scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and several heraldic crests.
Toscana Film Commission
Via San Gallo 25 — 50129 Firenze
Phone: +39 055 2719035
Fax: +39 055 2719027
Email: staff@toscanafilmcommission.it
