It's part of the Franciscan Church and Monastery, which is located just inside the main gate. The complex is run by the Order of Friars Minor, which was founded by Francis of Assisi.
The area dates back to 1317, although a variety of changes have taken place over the years as you'd expect. It contains a church, library, museum and pharmacy. The latter has been around since the start, and it ranks as the oldest pharmacy in Europe and the third-oldest in the world.
There have been bumps along the way. The earthquake of 1667 essentially crumbled everything but the church portal, and the siege of the 1990s saw some damage to the structure.
Visitors are welcome to the facility; there is a small admission charge.
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