The original San Giuseppe Orphanage was founded in 1872 by the "Istituto pubblico di assistenza e beneficenza" (Public Welfare and Charity Institution), thanks to a bequest from Monsignor Lorenzo Casalegno, a local clergyman and benefactor. After the municipality purchased the necessary land, the current orphanage was built. It opened on October 28, 1933, but did not begin operating until 1935. Its purpose was "to manage and promote residential and community activities for minors in difficulty and suffering from psychosocial and educational marginalization, as well as to promote and manage residential and community activities for people with physical and mental disabilities... in accordance with the Christian spirit and the intentions of the founder."

The orphanage was built in a sober, vaguely neoclassical style. The main entrance consists of a large atrium, which leads to a stately double staircase. Beside the staircase hang photos of the orphanage's various benefactors and a marble plaque commemorating them. The ground floor housed the kitchen, laundry, and several rooms that may have served as classrooms, meeting rooms, a library, and so on. The first floor contained dormitories, bathrooms, and a beautiful, remarkably well-preserved chapel.