Firenze in Cittΰ Metropolitana di Firenze, Tuscany, Italy — Southern and Western Europe (Mediterranean)
Ex Convento delle Suore Oblate
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Former Convent of the Oblate Sisters
Inscription.
L'antico spedale fondato da Folco Portinari nel 1285, su consiglio della nutrice di casa Monna Tessa, che istitui la comunitΰ delle religiose infermiere Oblate, occupava l'area compresa fra via dell'Oriuolo, via Portinari e via Sant'Egidio. La chiesa dell'ospedale fu denominata Santa Maria; quando fu costruito il nuovo ospedale come reparto per gli uomini sul lato opposto della piazza, fu chiamato di Santa Maria Nuova. Anche il reparto delle donne fu poi trasferito nel nuovo ospedale, e nei locali lasciati liberi rimase il convento delle Oblate, che si occuparono della cura dei malati fino al 1936, quando si spostarono a Careggi. Gli ambienti del vasto complesso ospedaliero e religioso sono stat poi adibiti ad altri usi.
The old hospital founded in 1285 by Folco Portinari, on the advice of his family nurse Monna Tessa (who founded the Oblate nursing order), stood on the site between Via dell'Oriuolo, Via Portinari and Via Sant'Egidio. The hospital church was called Santa Maria, and when the new men's hospital was built on the other side of the piazza it became known as Santa Maria Nuova. The women's ward was also moved into the new hospital, its place being used as the convent of the Oblate, who continued to tend the sick here until 1936, when they moved to Careggi. The extensive premises were then put to other uses.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Religion & Religious Structures • Science & Medicine • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1285.
Location. 43° 46.384′ N, 11° 15.576′ E. Marker is in Firenze, Toscana (Tuscany), in Cittΰ Metropolitana di Firenze. It is on Via Sant'Egidio near Via Folca Portanari, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Firenze, Toscana 50122, Italy. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, the Schengen Area, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire, the Roman Empire, and specifically the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Barnabas de Oddis (within shouting distance of this marker); Chiesa di Sant'Egidio / Church of Saint Giles (within shouting distance of this marker); Portico of Santa Maria Nuova Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova / Santa Maria Nuova Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Chiesa di Santa Maria in Campo / Church of Saint Mary in the Field (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Filippino Lippi Burial Place (about 180 meters away); Chiesa di San Michele / Church of San Michele (about 180 meters away); Enrica Calabresi (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Firenze.
Also see . . . Monna Tessa: The Philanthropist Nanny.
Excerpt: She was the Portinari educator and governess, family factotum and trustworthy women; she brought up and trained Beatrice, 'forbidden' and idealized love of Dante, but what makes us her precious its above all that she persuaded Beatrices father, Folco Portinari, to finance the foundation of the hospital known today as Santa Maria Nuova.(Submitted on August 20, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 72 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.

