This building was opened in 1445, and was the first orphanage in Europe. A part of the building is still used for this purpose today. The portico, built by Brunelleschi, is decorated with glazed terracotta spheres that represent new-born children. It is still possible to see the “wheel” in the portico, a turning stone cylinder where mothers placed their unwanted children, who were then turned round to the inside of the building.
No comments:
Post a Comment