171.

Spedale e Chiesa di S. Spirito in Sassia

In order to display the whole sequence of church of S. Spirtito and its hospital in this view Vasi considerably broadened the street on which it is situated. The late 12th century Ospedale di S. Spirito in Sassia, is one of Rome's earliest hospitals. Pope Sixtus IV Della Rovere (1471-1484) was responsible for building the central wing (2) while the far wing (3) was added in the reign of Benedict XIV Lambertini (1740-1758). The latter was demolished in 1890 to make way for the river road and walls. Protruding above its roof is the dome of S. Giovanni dei Fiorentini, Plate 87, across the river. At the right is the severe facade of the church of S. Spirito designed but not executed by Antonio da Sangallo in the mid 16th century. Located between the church and the hospital, the Palazzo del Commendatore (1) residence of the hospital's director, was built in the 1560s. Leading off to the right, but not shown in the print is the street which leads to the nearby Porta S. Spirito, Plate 15.