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Palace · Bolonha, Emília-Romanha
Archiginnasio di Bologna
16th-century palace that was the seat of the former university. It has thousands of students' coats of arms on the walls and the Teatro Anatomico, a wooden hall used for anatomy lessons.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Archiginnasio di Bologna
The Archiginnasio was built between 1562 and 1563 by the architect Antonio Morandi, known as il Terribilia, by order of Pope Pius IV. The idea was to bring together in one building the university classes, which until then were spread across the city. It served as the seat of university teaching until the early 19th century and today houses the Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio.
The external portico, called the Pavaglione, runs along the Piazza Galvani. Inside, the walls of the courtyard, staircases and corridors are covered with painted coats of arms and inscriptions by students and professors. About 6,000 of the 7,000 that existed before the Allied bombing of 1944, which damaged the building, remain.
The Teatro Anatomico is the best-known room. Built in 1637 to a design by Antonio Levanti, it is an amphitheatre entirely of fir wood, with a coffered ceiling and statues of famous physicians. In the center stands the marble table where bodies were dissected in front of students. Destroyed in 1944, it was rebuilt after the war with pieces recovered from the rubble.
You can also see the Sala dello Stabat Mater, a former law classroom where, in 1842, the first Italian performance of Gioachino Rossini's Stabat Mater took place, conducted by Gaetano Donizetti. The library remains open to readers, and some rooms close during events.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes for the courtyard, the Teatro Anatomico and the Sala dello Stabat Mater.
Best time
There are usually fewer groups in the morning. The Teatro Anatomico may be closed for events or classes; check before you go. On Sundays hours are often reduced.
How to get there
It is on the Piazza Galvani, behind the Basilica di San Petronio, a 3-minute walk from the Piazza Maggiore via the Pavaglione portico.
Tip
Look up on the staircases: the coats of arms continue up to the ceiling. In the Teatro Anatomico, notice the two wooden figures that support the canopy of the chair, the Spellati, which show the human body without skin.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Archiginnasio di Bologna
Is the Archiginnasio the university today?
No. The university operated there from the 16th century until the early 19th. Today the building is a municipal library, and the university is mainly based around Via Zamboni.
Is the Teatro Anatomico original?
It was rebuilt after being destroyed in the 1944 bombing, using recovered pieces of wood. Its form and decoration follow those of the 17th century.
How much does admission cost?
The courtyard and corridors can be seen free of charge; the Teatro Anatomico and the Sala dello Stabat Mater have a small fee. Check before you go.