This hospital founded in 1277 owes its name to a hollowed-out tree trunk (ceppo) which was once used to receive donations. The elegant Renaissance portico in front of the façade was added in 1514. However, it is the wonderful varnished terracotta frieze from the studio of the last of the Della Robbia, Giovanni, that lends the hospital and Pistoia its greatest glory: in seven panels, it illustrates the seven Labours of mercy. The hospital is now also home to a museum housing a collection of 270 surgical instruments dating from the 17C to the 20C.