Archiginnasio of Bologna
Archiginnasio
The former main building of the University of Bologna, its walls covered with students' coats of arms, and a wooden anatomy theatre that is a famous scene in European medical history.
The Archiginnasio was built in 1563 as the University of Bologna's first unified teaching building, and it now serves as the city's public library. Its arcades, stairwells, walls and ceilings are painted with some 6,000 coats of arms of past students and professors, an impressive sight. On the second floor, the Anatomical Theatre is an all-wooden tiered lecture hall with a central dissection table. Above the lectern, two statues of flayed men support a canopy. The theatre was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt to its original form. The Stabat Mater hall on the other side, the former law faculty lecture hall, is usually open only when there is no event. Admission is only a few euros. Combine it with a visit to Piazza Maggiore and the old market. The library reading room is not open to tourists, so keep your voice down during your visit.
Opening hours
Usually Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00; shorter hours on Sundays and holidays (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Museo Civico Archeologico di Bologna
- Basilica of San Petronio
- Santa Maria della Vita
- Quadrilatero
- Piazza Maggiore & Fountain of Neptune
- Basilica of San Domenico
- Biblioteca Salaborsa
- Palazzo d'Accursio