Esposizione archeologica della storia dell’antico Ospedale di Altopascio sulla Via Francigena
Archaeological collection of Altopascio with finds from excavations in the historic centre, part of the new museum route of the Spedale del Tau.
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About the museum
Altopascio grew up around the great pilgrims’ hospital of the Friars of San Jacopo, linked to the Knights of the Tau, which from the 11th century welcomed travellers, pilgrims and the poor along the Via Francigena. In 1460 Pope Pius II suppressed the hospice and in 1476 Sixtus IV abolished the Order; the properties then passed to Florentine families and to the Medici, and in the 18th century the complex became part of a grand-ducal farm.
The archaeological collection presents material recovered from excavations carried out in the historic centre between 1985 and the early 2000s: ceramics, objects in bone, metal and glass that document life in the ancient Spedale and the settlement. The display is located in the Loggiato Mediceo in Piazza Ospitalieri.
In 2026 the display was renewed and merged into the new MAST museum project, the Museo di Altopascio Spedale del Tau, which opened on 10 October 2026. The route links the rooms of the Spedale, the archaeological area, the grain silos reopened in Piazza Ospitalieri and the Loggiato Mediceo, with multimedia stations, a video story on the Via Francigena and a short virtual reality film.
Highlights
- Finds from excavations in the historic centre of Altopascio (1985–early 2000s)
- Ceramics, objects in bone, metal and glass
- Loggiato Mediceo in Piazza Ospitalieri
- Link with the MAST route and the grain silos
- Information panels in Italian and English
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione archeologica nel Loggiato Mediceo – Finds from excavations of the historic centre, including ceramics and objects in bone, metal and glass, linked to the history of the Spedale.
- Founded
- 1990
- Operated by
- Comune di Altopascio
- Visitors per year
- approx. 350
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Good to know | The display is part of the MAST museum route, open since 10 October 2026; opening hours and tickets should be checked with the municipality. |
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