Archiginnasio of Bologna

Background

The Archiginnasio was built in 1562–1563 to bring the university's previously scattered teaching together in one place. The palace has two levels of loggias around its courtyard, and the walls and vaults preserve the commemorative coats of arms of teachers and students. The anatomical theatre, created in the 17th century for medical teaching, is today one of the most recognisable spaces to visit. The university stopped using the building in 1803, and from the 19th century it became a library and public cultural space. The institution clearly distinguishes between the courtyard open to visitors, the anatomical theatre and the Stabat Mater hall, which require booking, and the library stacks, which are closed to visitors.

Local customs

• Look at the architecture from the courtyard and loggias first, then enter the anatomical theatre at your booked time. The library is still a working reading and book-holding institution, and its reading areas should not be treated as ordinary galleries for tourists
• there are researchers and events in the building, so please keep quiet.

Religion & beliefs

• The palace is a historic university building and library with no uniform religious etiquette
• the historical religious coats of arms and papal commission behind it can be understood as part of architectural history.

Rules that apply here

Travel tips

• The palace is at Piazza Galvani 1 in Bologna's historic centre, within walking distance of Piazza Maggiore
• from the railway station, allow extra time for walking through the city or public transport. To see only the exterior, courtyard and loggias, allow 30–45 minutes
• with a booked visit to the anatomical theatre and the Stabat Mater hall, allow 60–90 minutes in total, adjusting to the day's guided or audio-guided time slots. According to the official information, the main palace is free to enter, but the anatomical theatre and the Stabat Mater hall must be booked online, and the latter may be closed for institutional events
• the library stacks are not open to ordinary visitors. The palace is usually closed on Sundays, and hours may change on public holidays and in summer, so check the official website before buying tickets. Visitors with limited mobility can reach the upper floor via the entrance at Via de’ Foscherari 2, following the instructions on the official website. The nearby Portico del Pavaglione can be walked on the way, but do not count the time inside the palace together with the whole portico route.