San Rocco Hospital (Rome)

The Hospital of San Rocco, known as Ospedale delle Celate, was a significant historical hospital in Rome, established in 1499 by the Archconfraternity of hosts and boatmen. Located near the Mausoleum of Augustus, it initially served as a hospice for plague victims and evolved into a hospital for women, particularly those in labor, including the 'celate' or hidden pregnant women. The hospital operated until 1892 and was known for its strict privacy protocols for patients. It played a crucial role in the development of obstetrics as a scientific discipline, hosting courses for midwives in the 18th century. The original building was demolished in the 1930s to create Piazza Augusto Imperatore, but its legacy remains a fascinating part of Rome's medical history.