Loggia del Bigallo

The Loggia del Bigallo is a stunning late Gothic building located in Florence, Italy, at the bustling corner of Piazza San Giovanni and via Calzaioli. Built between 1352 and 1358, it served as a shelter for lost children and orphans, reflecting its deep ties to local charity through the Compagnia della Misericordia and the Compagnia di Santa Maria del Bigallo. The building features beautifully decorated arched bays with bas-reliefs of biblical figures and virtues, and its interior houses a museum showcasing artifacts related to the confraternities. A visit to the Loggia offers a glimpse into Florence's rich history of compassion and community support, making it a significant stop for tourists and researchers alike.