The palace
The Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio was built between 1562 and 1563 at the behest of the Papal Legate of Bologna, Cardinal Carlo Borromeo, and the Vicelegate Pier Donato Cesi, designed by the Bolognese architect Antonio Morandi known as Terribilia. The purpose of the operation, matured in the cultural climate of the Council of Trent, was to give a unified headquarters to university teaching hitherto dispersed in various
offices.The part dedicated to the Library is not accessible for tourist visits.
The building has a long porch with 30 arches on the outside and is divided into two floors around a central courtyard with a double order of loggias.
Two large staircases lead to the upper floor, which has 10 classrooms (today they cannot be visited as they constitute the Library's main book stores) and two large classrooms located at the ends of the building, one for Artists (now the Library's Reading Room) and one for Lawyers (later also called the Stabat Mater Room).
The anatomical theater The room, called Teatro for its characteristic amphitheatrical shape, was designed in 1637 for anatomical lessons by the Bolognese architect Antonio Paolucci known as Levanti, a Carracci student.
The walls of the rooms, the vaults of the staircases and the loggias are densely decorated with inscriptions and monuments commemorating the masters of the Studio and by thousands of coats of arms and names of students.
The building ceased its university function in 1803; since 1838, after having been a primary school for a few years, it has been home to the Library. On the ground floor, some of the ancient classrooms are occupied by the Medical Surgical Society and the Academy of Agriculture.
Schedule your visit to the Anatomical Theater Info here
Visits to the Anatomical Theater and the Stabat Mater room are managed by Bologna Welcome Tel.051.6583166
for information archiginnasio@bolognawelcome.it
for reservations booking@bolognawelcome.it
Accessibility
People with motor problems can access the library or visit the Palace from the entrance of Via de' Foscherari n. 2 (see map).
During the Library's opening hours (Monday-Friday 9-18.30 and Saturday 9-13.30) ring the bell on the right and wait or call no. 051/2196616 or 051/2196622.
On Saturday from 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., please call no. 051.6583166 (ticket office of the Anatomical Theater).