, formerly the convent-hospital of the
Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God (
Fatebenefratelli) from 1667 to 1798. (left), close enough to watch
Crotone’s matches from their windows. This unusual proximity gives the hospital an unofficial "VIP box" feel for game days. The history of
hospital care in
Crotone dates back to
medieval times, with the first documented hospital from the 12th century located just outside the city walls. Initially managed by
Benedictine monks from the
Abbey of Santa Maria della Matina, this facility served the local community, setting the foundation for a tradition of healthcare that would evolve significantly over the centuries. By the 1500s, a new hospital known as
San Giovanni di Dio had been established, primarily serving
Spanish soldiers stationed in
Calabria. Towards the end of the century, a shift occurred with the hospital becoming a shelter for the poor and for pilgrims, especially during the episcopate of Bishop
Tommaso delli Monti (1599–1608). At that time, the facility was dedicated to
Saint Jacobus, operating on an income of 70–80
ducats per year, and managed by a priest appointed to provide both medical and spiritual care. while a new hospital building was constructed outside the urban center on Via Poggio Reale, with support from Baron Berlingieri. The choice of this location responded to the need for a larger, more accessible healthcare structure. Significant changes occurred in the second half of the 20th century to meet rising healthcare demands and modernize infrastructure.
Post-World War II, the hospital expanded its basic departments, including
General Surgery and
Internal Medicine, to serve a growing population. In 1972, a modern facility opened on Via Bologna. With the establishment of
ASL no. 5 in 1995, a new era of healthcare restructuring began, bringing specialized units like
Cardiology,
Intensive Care, and
Infectious Diseases, along with increased bed capacity and advanced diagnostic facilities. == Facilities ==