The Ospedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito ("New Hospital of Holy Spirit") is located on the southeast corner of the square. Built in 1257 by Giovanni di Simone over a preexisting smaller hospital, the function of this hospital was to help pilgrims, poor, sick people, and abandoned children by providing a shelter. The name of the hospital was later changed to Ospedale della Misericordia ("Hospital of Mercy") or di Santa Chiara ("Sant Claire"), which was the name of the small church included in the complex.