Archiginnasio of Bologna

The Archiginnasio of Bologna, one of the city’s most important symbols, is a living testimony of its rich academic and cultural history. Built between 1562 and 1563 by architect Antonio Morandi, known as Terribilia, the building was commissioned by Pope Pius IV and Cardinal Carlo Borromeo. The intention was to create a single seat for the teaching of various university disciplines, which until then were scattered in various locations throughout the city. This innovation reflects the growing importance of the University of Bologna, considered the oldest university in the Western world, founded in 1088. The Archiginnasio building is structured on two floors, with a large portico and a central courtyard adorned with loggias on two levels. At the center of the courtyard is the Chapel of Santa Maria dei Bulgari, named after a pre-existing church. The palace is famous for its interior decoration, characterized by numerous coats of arms and inscriptions celebrating the distinguished professors and students of the university. These coats of arms, representing the largest mural heraldic complex in the world, survived the destruction of the Cisalpine Republic in 1797 and the bombings of World War II. One of the most fascinating elements of the Archiginnasio is the Anatomical Theatre, built in 1637 by Antonio Levante. This room, entirely lined with fir wood and decorated with statues, was used for anatomy lessons. The statues of the “Flayed” (skinned men) by Ercole Lelli, placed on either side of the professor’s lectern, are among the most remarkable for their anatomical precision and artistic value. The statues of illustrious doctors, including those of Hippocrates and Galen, adorn the walls, while a unique statue depicts Gaspare Tagliacozzi, a pioneer of rhinoplasty, holding a nose in his hand. The Anatomical Theatre suffered serious damage during the bombings of 1944, but was meticulously restored after the war, allowing today’s visitors to admire its original beauty. This room is not only a symbol of the scientific progress of the time, but also an example of the combination of art and science typical of the Renaissance. The upper floor of the Archiginnasio houses the ancient study rooms of jurists and artists. The Stabat Mater Hall, named in honor of the first national performance of Gioachino Rossini’s opera in 1842, is one of the main halls, along with the Reading Room of the current Municipal Library. This library, the largest in Emilia-Romagna, preserves a vast heritage of ancient texts and manuscripts, including about 35,000 manuscript volumes and incunabula. The collection ranges from history to philosophy, from political science to literature, and includes a section dedicated to Bolognese culture. The Archiginnasio ceased to be the seat of the university in 1803, when academic activities were transferred to Palazzo Poggi. Since 1838, the building has housed the Municipal Library of the Archiginnasio, which continues to play a crucial role in the city’s cultural life, organizing events, exhibitions, and conferences that attract scholars, students, and tourists from around the world. The construction of the Archiginnasio represents a period of great urban renewal for Bologna, parallel to the construction of the Fountain of Neptune and the restructuring of Piazza Maggiore. The historical and architectural importance of the building, with its elegant loggias, Renaissance details, and incredible cultural heritage, makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Bologna.