Santa Maria della Scala, Siena

Santa Maria della Scala is a former hospital located in the city of Siena, in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is one of the oldest hospitals in the world, having been established to care for the poor, pilgrims, and the sick. Today, it serves as a museum and cultural center, offering visitors insights into its rich history and the art it houses.

History

The origins of Santa Maria della Scala can be traced back to the 9th century, although it was officially founded in the 11th century by the Catholic Church. It is situated across from the Siena Cathedral, highlighting its importance to the city. The hospital was named after the nearby steps (scala in Italian) of the cathedral, symbolizing its role as a place of ascent to spiritual and physical healing.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Santa Maria della Scala was a crucial institution for Siena, providing care for the sick, shelter for pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena to Rome, and assistance to the poor. It was also a center for education and training of medical professionals, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical knowledge and care during the period.

Architecture and Art

The complex of Santa Maria della Scala is notable for its vast size and the variety of buildings it encompasses, including wards, chapels, and administrative offices. The architecture reflects the various phases of expansion and renovation the hospital underwent over the centuries, showcasing styles from Romanesque to Baroque.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Santa Maria della Scala is its rich collection of art. The hospital was decorated with frescoes, sculptures, and other artworks commissioned from some of the leading artists of the time. These works not only served a decorative purpose but also conveyed messages of hope and healing, and educated the public on biblical stories and the virtues of charity and compassion.

Museum

Today, Santa Maria della Scala has been transformed into a museum complex, allowing visitors to explore its history, architecture, and art collections. The museum houses several permanent exhibitions, including artifacts related to the hospital's medical history, religious art, and items that reflect the daily life of the institution and its inhabitants.

Significance

Santa Maria della Scala stands as a testament to the historical role of hospitals as centers of care, hospitality, and culture. It provides valuable insights into the social and medical practices of the past, and its transformation into a museum ensures that its legacy continues to be appreciated and understood by future generations.

See Also

• History of hospitals
• Medieval medicine
• Siena Cathedral
• Via Francigena