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
Site/minisite/other: http://www.archiginnasio.it/english_index.html
Entrance
VISITORS
- GUIDED TOUR (Anatomical Theatre, Stabat Mater Hall*, Chapel of S. Maria dei Bulgari* and the Cubiculum Artistarum*)
- AUDIOGUIDED TOUR (Anatomical Theatre and Stabat Mater Hall*)
➝ For further details and information on reductions, gratuities and private groups with own guide go to the booking page or get in touch with Archiginnasio Ticket Office at +39 0516583166
SCHOOLS
- Online reservations are required via the dedicated booking page.
- Admission:
Free admission: elementary and middle school students
Admission: €2 per person: high school students and university groups - Audio guide NOT included
Interests
- Art & Culture
Details
Accessibility
The main entrance to Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio is located at Piazza Galvani 1. The ground floor has architectural barriers (stairs). Visitors with reduced mobility can access the building via the entrance at via de' Foscherari 2 (see map) by using the lift, which takes them directly to the first floor.
The first floor is fully accessible (step-free) and provides access to:
- Library (for study purposes only; tourist visits are not permitted)
- Bookshop
- Anatomical Theatre
- Stabat Mater Hall (subject to availability)
Timetables
| Monday | 9.00am - 7.00pm |
| Tuesday | 9.00am - 7.00pm |
| Wednesday | 9.00am - 7.00pm |
| Thursday | 9.00am - 7.00pm |
| Friday | 9.00am - 7.00pm |
| Saturday | 9.00am - 7.00pm |
| Sunday | closed |
For visiting hours for Anatomical Theatre and Stabat Mater* please check them out on the booking page.
*Admission to the Stabat Mater is subject to restrictions during special events or activities.
Holidays:
Open: 8 and 26 December and 2–3–5–6–7–8–9–10 January: 10am–6pm, 24 and 31 December: 10am–1pm, 1 January: 12pm–6pm
Closed: 25 December
