Leprozorium

Crete, leprozorium closed in 1957

Leprozorium (lat. lepra - leprosy) - a leprous colony or home for leprosy patients. The most numerous in the Middle Ages, served both the sick and their isolation from the rest of society. There are still today in regions where leprosy is still present, especially in Asia and Africa.

The first leprous was made in the Mediterranean in the 4th century and 200 years later they were already spread throughout Europe. The largest number was in the Middle Ages, when leprosy was widespread. Placing sick people was compulsory at that time and was a kind of ritual. Persons suspected of being infected were reported to special committees (appointed by the city council) to identify the disease. If the person was found to be a sick person, he or she was sent to the leprozorium together with the document certifying the illness. This prevented the search for shelter in leper's homes by beggars and vagabonds.

After a special mass, during which the list of bans was read, the leper was forced to follow the leprous, where he received a personal set of items (clothes, spoons, etc.). From then on, he could only go out in special clothes, a knocker or a bell to know about his presence. Before escaping she observed the gallows placed at the exit of the leprozorium. He was not allowed to appear in public places, including in churches. The sick, repulsed and isolated, founded in the leprousories a kind of fraternity based on the principles of equality and common ownership. Since the time of the Crusades, houses for the lepers were often led by the Order, among them the Franciscans, and the Order of the Knights dedicated to this purpose. Lazarus. Most of them were closed after the "black death" epidemic (during which most lepers died), and in modern times their numbers in Europe were negligible. But they still function - and still function today - in other, poorer parts of the world.

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