Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio

The Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio, located in the Archiginnasio Palace in central Bologna, is a historic lecture hall built in 1637 for teaching anatomy. This wood-paneled room features a carved ceiling, intricate sculptures, and a central marble dissection table. Highlighted by statues of famous physicians and the striking "Spellati" (skinless) figures, it offers a glimpse into the early study of medicine. Situated near Piazza Maggiore, it is a key part of Bologna’s rich academic heritage.

The upper floors of the palace contain two classrooms closed to the public, and the Artisti and the Stabat Mater Hall, which are worth visiting. The Archiginnasio was constructed around the 1560s inside the 11th-century university. It flaunts the remarkable “Spellati”, anatomical models with exposed muscles. Beautiful frescoes decorate the corridors and interiors of the palace. The Anatomical Theatre was built later in 1637. It’s actually a hall but is called a theatre because it looks like one. The walls are wooden, as is a majority of the furniture here. Statues of proficient physicians can be seen surrounding the theatre. Unfortunately, the theatre was heavily damaged in World War 2 and what you see today is the restored version. The Stabat Mater Hall was named after the first performance of Gioachino Rossini‘s Stabat Mater took place here in 1842. Again, the hall looks marvellous, adorned with frescoes.