The Palazzo
dell'Archiginnasio is one of Bologna's most remarkable buildings: once the
historic seat of the University, it is now home to the Anatomical Theatre
and the Municipal Library.
Located in
the heart of the historical centre, the palazzo was built by Cardinal Borromeo
between 1562 and 1563 to a design by architect Antonio Morandi - known as
Terribilia - as the seat of the University until 1803. It was severely damaged
by a bombing raid in 1944 and later rebuilt.
Its
interior features a porticoed courtyard with vaulted ceilings ornamented by the
coats of arms of the masters of the Studium and the students who attended the
Alma Mater over the centuries.
Two grand
staircases lead up from the courtyard to the upper floor where the Library (not
accessible to tourists) and the Anatomical Theatre are located, a wooden
room carved by Antonio Levante in 1637 for anatomical teaching, featuring the
famous statues of the Spellati by Ercole Lelli.
Still on
the first floor is the Stabat Mater Hall, one of the most distinctive
settings of the ancient university, originally intended for the Legists, named
after the first performance of Gioachino Rossini's Stabat Mater, conducted
there by Gaetano Donizetti on 18 March 1842.
Map
Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio
Piazza Galvani 1
40124 Bologna
Telephone: +39 051 276811
Site/minisite/other: http://www.archiginnasio.it/english_index.html
Entrance
Admission ticket to Anatomical Theatre and Stabat Mater Hall | € 3 |
Free admission: Tourist guides with badge; Journalist with badge; 1 person for each group of 10 people; Classes of secondary schools; 2 people for each school group; Young people up to 18 years; old Disabled people and their helpers; Icom members with valid card; Card Cultura owners
Interests
- Art & Culture
Timetables
Monday | 10.00am - 6.00pm |
Tuesday | 10.00am - 6.00pm |
Wednesday | 10.00am - 6.00pm |
Thursday | 10.00am - 6.00pm |
Friday | 10.00am - 6.00pm |
Saturday | 10.00am - 6.00pm |
Reservation is required to enter Anatomical Theatre. Purchase ticket online here
Holidays:
Open 26 December and 6 January at 10am-2pm
Closed 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 and 7 January. Tuesday 9 July 2024 for the whole day and Wednesday 10 July 2024 until 2 p.m.