Hospice de la Grave Historic Monument in Toulouse

The Hospice de la Grave, located in the Saint-Cyprien district of Toulouse, is a remarkable architectural complex steeped in history.

History and various functions

Founded in the Middle Ages, it first served as a hospital for plague victims (Hôpital Saint-Sébastien). Then, from 1647, it became a " general hospital " (Hôpital Saint-Joseph de La Grave) as part of the " Grand Renfermement ", welcoming beggars, prostitutes and the insane.
Over time, it also served as a maternity hospital, until the 1980s.

The Saint-Joseph chapel in La Grave

It is the most emblematic element of the site, recognizable by its imposing dome.
Its construction lasted almost a century, in the 18th century.
The chapel has been listed as a historic monument since 1978. It was deconsecrated in 2015 and is now a museum.

Historical significance

The Hospice de la Grave played a major role in the social and medical history of Toulouse.

In the 18th century, this hospital was one of the largest in the Kingdom of France.