Malta in a Minute: Santo Spirito Hospital

Santo Spirito hospital, located in Rabat next to the Church of St Francis, was the first hospital on the island. It was already functioning in 1372. At the time, Mdina was Malta’s capital city and this hospital was just minutes away from its gates. When the Knights of St John established Valletta as Malta’s new capital city, they built two hospitals (one for men and the other for women) there. From then on, Santo Spirito served the rural central region, especially poor patients and foundlings.

Santo Spirito Hospital Rabat 2

Many  people are curious about a feature known as la ruota that can still be seen on the façade of this building. Basically, it is a rotating device in which people could place unwanted babies that would then be taken care of by nuns – one of the sad facts of medieval life.

Santo Spirito Hospital Rabat 1

Santo Spirito hospital was closed down in 1967. It was subsequently restored and now houses the National Archives. In 2010 the old pharmacy was rehabilitated and furnished with chemicals and equipment that would have been prevalent in the days prior to the advent of the modern pharmaceutical industry.

Santo Spirito Hospital Rabat 3

Santo Spirito Hospital, Old Hospital Street, Rabat


8 comments

  1. Its wonderful to see old buildings having purpose.

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  2. It would be interesting to read some the hospital notes...Coffee is on

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  3. Loree so amazing to see your old historical buildings. The la ruota is certainlya sad reminderof orphaned babies. At least they were taken somewhere they would receive care. Your photos of this place are super. Hope your day is wonderful. Hugs!

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  4. As always I continue to enjoy your posts from Malta. Very interesting subject matter and wonderful photos. Thanks.
    Farm Gal in SW Virginia

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  5. Florence has a church with the same "DROP OFF" window for un wanted babies.........
    Beautiful building...............LOve the little window/door?Is this the RUOTA?
    XX

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  6. That's indeed a very old hospital !

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  7. Wow. amazing seeing the drop off window. How heartbreaking but at least there was that option. I'm always happy to see repurposed old buildings. Especially very old and beautiful ones!

    Happy to hear you made it to Scotland! I also am longing to go back. I can't believe you didn't have rain! We had so much! Hope you took some photos!! :)

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  8. People have developed an increased appetite in photographs, a memorabilia that will last a lifetime. professional photography

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