It all begins with an idea.

In 1587, Pope Sixtus V founded the Hospice of the Hundred Priests with the purpose of providing welfare support to the residents of Rome.

Expanded on the work of his predecessor, in 1963, Pope Innocent XII Pignatelli expanded support and proposed design for re-education of the city’s youth. The resulting design was the Apostolic Hospice of Saint Michael.

Construction of the complex of San Michele would then occur over the course of 150 years and constantly evolved to the needs of the community.

The original building constructed between 1686 and 1689 was comprised of four stories and two wings enclosing a courtyard.

In 1693, the building expanded to include a boundary wall along Via di San Michele and a wool mill. Further construction expanded the complex in 1706.

The wool mill would be an educational location for the School of Arts and Crafts, which would be known for their tapestries. Examples of these 18th century tapestries are still on display today in the Hall of Tapestries at the Capitoline Museums.

In 1701, Pope Clement XI Albani commissioned construction of a male correctional facility; this was completed in 1704.

Between 1710 and 1712, two churches were constructed in the complex, the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Church of the Madonna del Buon Viaggio. The latter would be frequented by merchants coming into port, from across the building, on the edge of the Tiber River.

In 1734, Pope Clement XII commissioned the construction of a Women’s prison in the complex, which would overlook Porta Portese. As you walk along Via di San Michele, you may notice the remaining architectural details, in particular the barred windows.

Between 1848 and 1871, during the Reunification of Italy, the government structure would change in Rome. With a reduction of papal benefits to support its welfare activities, San Michele would progressively cease activity and fall abandoned.

After two centuries of continuous use, it was time to revitalize the Complex of San Michele. In 1970 a study on the structural and architectural work was completed. After it was decided to close and relocate the juvenile prison in 1972, consolidation and restoration work began in 1973.

Of the many organizations that now call the complex of San Michele home, the focus remains cultural and works toward providing services for the people of Rome.

In 1975, the Ministry of Culture made San Michele their Headquarters.