Ospedale Vecchio, Parma

The Ospedale Vecchio was founded by Rodolfo Tanzi in 1201. It faces onto Via d'Azeglio and its façade is decorated with a series of porticoes and marble columns. Enlarged, and partially reconstructed in the 15th Century, its enormous architectural complex developed and became part of the Sforza family's Renaissance hospital, built on a cross plan. Four large courtyards were later added to this by Giovanni Antonio da Erba. It underwent various other changes throughout the Centuries and housed the hospital until 1926. The decoration on the façade and in the cloisters are by the 16th Century artist Antonio Ferrari d'Agrate. Today the building houses the Library, the Archivio Storico Comunale and the Archivio di Stato (state archives).