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Concept
A living experience of what the Sacra Infermeria was originally built for. A painstakingly produced, realistic reenactment, of Europe's longest hospital ward during the time of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem.
Description
The long hall on the ground floor is transformed into what was known at the time of the Knights of St John as the 'Long Ward' of the Sacra Infermeria.
The setup also includes the Lecture Room. A two-level platform, with benches for the students at one side, and the lecture's rostrum on the opposite side. The counter full of containers with human organs, powders and tools of experimentation, and many such props, makes the picture complete. The Ward, the largest of the three spaces, is set up with canopied beds and side-furniture, patients and Doctors. The Pharmacy, with the Physician desk with medicine jars, the physician and his assistant preparing medicine mixture compliment the ambience.
The minute the guests set foot into the hall, they are engulfed into a somewhat heavy and somber atmosphere.
The group of top physicians are gathered in the lecture room to share their findings, whether based on research or 'in practicum', into human anatomy. One after another, the physicians take the podium to contribute in the discussion. Some use human organs to illustrate their point of discussion, others put on show diagrams. Many jot down notes, but all partake actively in the conference that develops in a two-way channel between speaker and listener.
At the ward, other physicians are at their chores, assisted by their orderlies. Some examine the bed-ridden, others are at their desk registering the progress of their patients. From time to time, the physicians meet for an impromptu consultation, either near one of the beds or at the chemist's counter. Meanwhile, patients in an advanced stage of convalescence stroll up and down the aisle, whether or not aided by the orderlies or crutches. Orderlies help a new patient to settle down in his temporary home, whilst others stand by the unfortunate one on the brink of death. Consoled by the priest, he takes the last breath under the watchful eye of the physician. The orderlies take over to shroud the corpse.
The pharmacist is busy mixing some medicine, consults books and carries on serving clients simultaneously. His assistant is busy wiping out a new glass bottle, mixing potions and powders, registering new medicine, and helps his master in all the necessary activity around the pharmacy.
Guests then exit from access found right opposite the hospital's chapel. Meanwhile, at the roadway, serving staff is ready to with aperitifs and canapés. When all guests have finished their aperitif a troop of commercial guards parades our and escorts the guests to La Vallette Hall where dinner is served.
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