Originally, this place served as a children's orphanage. The Silk Guild of Florence, known as the "Arte della Seta," built and managed the hospital. They must have been feeling pretty generous because they were one of the richest guilds in the city and took on philanthropic duties. Good on them!
Now, when you look at the building, you'll notice a glorious nine-bay loggia facing the Piazza SS. Annunziata. Those semicircular arches and columns are quite the sight, don't you think? And check out those glazed blue terracotta roundels with reliefs of babies designed by Andrea della Robbia. It's like a little hint of what the building was all about - taking care of the little ones.
Inside, you'll find a museum showcasing Renaissance art. Artists like Luca della Robbia, Sandro Botticelli, and Piero di Cosimo have their works on display here. Oh, and there's also a fantastic Adoration of the Magi by Domenico Ghirlandaio. Talk about a star-studded lineup!
You know, back in the day, people would sometimes abandon their babies in a basin at the front portico. But over time, they swapped that basin for a secret refuge wheel. It's like something out of a spy movie! A rotating horizontal wheel would bring the baby into the building without the parent being seen. Stealthy, huh?
Brunelleschi's vision for this place was a mix of Classical Roman, Italian Romanesque, and late Gothic architecture. He really pulled out all the stops. The loggia, with its round columns and dosserets (or impost blocks), created a fresh look. And let's not forget those circular arches and segmented spherical domes. It's like a history lesson wrapped in awesome architecture.
So take a stroll around, enjoy the art, and be impressed by this breathtaking example of early Italian Renaissance architecture. And remember, if you need to leave something behind, you might want to consider the rotating wheel. Kidding, of course! Let's head to our next stop and continue the adventure!
