The entire building dates back to the glorious times of the ancient Republic. It was initially established as a Benedictine Monastery, where girls from the common people resided to be consecrated to God.

Over the centuries, after undergoing various transformations and vicissitudes, we arrive at the early 1900s, when Monsignor Ercolano Marini, despite many difficulties, succeeded in his intent to found an orphanage.

Initially opened to war orphans and later to abandoned children, the orphanage was expanded and enriched with new facilities, thanks to divine providence and substantial donations from wealthy individuals of that time, allowing it to accommodate many more needy children.

Becoming an imposing point of reference, it was deemed necessary to place it under the protection of the Holy See, which integrated it among the Valpompeian works. Although it remained the property of the Church, the orphanage no longer exists today.

However, the building has been repurposed: some areas have been transformed into a community center for young people from across the diocese, with the aim of continuing Monsignor Marini’s work in a modern way.

Other parts have been converted into private residences, and finally, the space where children once played was turned into a commercial establishment in 1983: Il Teatro.