The author analyses the contents of the journal "La Gazzetta del Frenocomio" published by the asylum San Lazzaro, in Reggio Emilia, during the period 1875-1881. These publications highlight the rapid development of the asylum and its ambition to become a center of excellence in psychiatric studies, and also an institutional model for other Italian or foreign asylums.
Keywords: Gazzetta del Frenocomio, psychiatric journalism, San Lazzaro, Reggio Emilia, asylum.