Museo dello Spedale del Ceppo: A Journey Through Medical History

The Museo dello Spedale del Ceppo, situated in the historic heart of Pistoia, offers a glimpse into the history of medicine and healthcare. The museum is located within the former Spedale del Ceppo, a hospital founded in 1277 that served the community for over seven centuries. In 2013, the hospital's functions were moved to a new facility, and in 2017, the Museo dello Spedale del Ceppo opened to the public. The museum tour highlights the historical, architectural, and artistic aspects of the building. A key feature is the Della Robbia Frieze, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture in polychrome glazed terracotta. Created by Santi Buglioni between 1536 and 1528, the frieze depicts the Seven Works of Mercy, with a final scene added later by Filippo di Lorenzo Paladini. The museum also features an extensive collection of surgical instruments dating from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Other sections are dedicated to the former psychiatric hospital at the Sbertoli Villas and the Filippo Pacini Medical Academy. Visitors can also explore the 18th-century Anatomical Theater, located in the garden of the former hospital. This small theater provides insight into the medical-surgical school that was active in the 17th century.