Spedale degli Innocenti Florence

The Arte della Lana society commissioned Filippo Brunelleschi to design the Spedale degli Innocenti in the early 15th century: an edifice built so as to provide both a home and educational institution for abandoned children. Brunelleschi's construction, situated amidst a number of other buildings built in the same period, is adorned with a wealth of magnificent frescoes.

The true heart of the Spedale, lies above the cloisters, in the gallery. Once the location for the children's rooms, the gallery now houses a museum containing a fascinating collection of artworks - large part of which donated to the establishment by private citizens.