Monna Tessa monument

This white marble tomb slab of Monna Tessa, the nurse who, in 13th century, inspired Folco Portinari for the foundation of the Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova in Florence, can be seen in the old Cloister of the Bones, near to the main entrance to the hospital.

"To symbolise her position as head of the women's section, Monna Tessa is shown holding a parchment-covered manuscript embossed or illuminated with S.Maria Nuova's emblem of the crutch, probably containing the rules of the women's hospital"1.

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  • Photos by Luca Borghi ti.supmacinu|ihgrob.l# | (december 2008)


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