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In 1328, the hospital expanded its structure with the construction of a men's pilgrim lodge, achieved through the acquisition and demolition of surrounding houses to overcome a height difference of three floors. This pilgrim lodge marked the beginning of the development of the area designated for male assistance, extending the hospital towards the little square of Selva. 

In 1328, the hospital expanded its structure with the construction of a men's pilgrim lodge, achieved through the acquisition and demolition of surrounding houses to overcome a height difference of three floors. This pilgrim lodge marked the beginning of the development of the area designated for male assistance, extending the hospital towards the little square of Selva. At the same time, a chapel dedicated to Saints Joachim and Anne was built, and a new access portal was created. In the 1440s, the environment underwent significant decorative intervention, with the painting of the side walls and the ribbed vaults of the ceiling. With this intervention, the space became not only supportive but also a symbol of representation. The decorative work of the Pilgrim Lodge, commissioned by the hospital community, involved artists such as Domenico di Bartolo, Lorenzo di Pietro known as il Vecchietta, and Priamo della Quercia. The paintings depicted mythological and historical scenes, celebrating the lives and protagonists of the hospital. In the 1500s, the environment underwent a structural modification with the addition of a bay and the creation of frescoes by Giovanni di Raffaello Navesi, depicting the "payment of the baliatico". The coats of arms of the Medici and other illustrious figures were included as a sign of the hospital's growing importance in the social and political landscape of the time.

Events and Exhibitions

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The story of Sorore

The fresco in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicting the Story of Sorore, now hangs on the left above the side door that leads to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano. 

The growth of walls

The fresco in the third bay of the pilgrims' hall shows a construction site associated with the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where some workers are engaged in the work.

Agostino Novello hands the robe to the rector

The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio hall, in the fourth bay on the right, depicts the Blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the figures, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.

The Pope grants the indulgence

The fresco in the fifth bay on the right, located in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicts Eugene IV handing a parchment to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Eastern and African figures can be seen.

Care of the sick

The fresco located in the fifth bay on the left, by Domenico di Bartolo, depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars and nurses, detailing hospital life in 1378.

The Alms

The fresco located in the fourth bay on the left of the pilgrim hall depicts a historical scene in a hospital, highlighting the weekly distribution of bread to the poor, with figures of pilgrims, the sick and nobles such as Sigismondo.

The marriage of the maidens

The "marrying-off of the maidens" is located in the fourth bay of the Pellegrinaio. This bay depicts a significant scene that illustrates one of the hospital's charitable functions, related to the marriage of poor young women, a practice that fell within the welfare and social support activities of the medieval hospital.

The Alms of the Little Courtyard

The alms of the small courtyard are located in the third bay of the Pilgrims' Hall. This bay is one of the most significant, as it hosts scenes related to hospitality and the care of pilgrims, including the distribution of alms, in a context that reflects the charitable and care practices of the medieval hospital.

The ceiling of the pilgrims' hostel

The decoration of the ceiling of the Pellegrinaio hall, executed between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio in the five bays and in the four connecting sub-arches, depicts saints and figures, with coats of arms and vegetal motifs.