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Archiginnasio part 1
Located in the eastern flank of Piazza Galvani this building called the Archiginnasio was the first official headquarters for the University of Bologna. It was built in 1563 under the aims to promote the subjects civil and canon law, philosophy, mathematics, physics, medicine and natural sciences under one roof. Until that period these disciplines were taught throughout many locations in Bologna many of them within monasteries and convents.
A chapel opposite the entrance and under the double loggia here is dedicated to Santa Maria dei Bulgari but its use is limited solely to university professors.
At the time, this was quite a political decision since money used to build this complex was in fact diverted from the Church of San Petronio next door.
The Cardinal Carlo Barromeo was the Papal Legate during this period and under his direction also coincided with the conclusion of the Council of Trent. A new impetuous came out of this Papal meeting which sought to regain ground lost by the Church in the fabric of cultural and social life in Italy.
The Bolognese architect Antonio Morandi otherwise referred to as Il Terribilia modified the designs in order to add haste to the overall development of the plans. These plans were then carried out by Borromeo’s deputy Pier Donato Cesi whose main responsibilities also included regenerating the city centre.
On the first floor were ten classrooms and two large halls. The classrooms now being used as either office space and storage while the halls are currently used for studying or consulting books.
This Anatomy Theatre was built in 1637 by Antonio Levanti. It was quite badly damaged during Allied bombing raids although original parts were used in its reconstruction. Anatomy was taught here empirically through dissection of corpses, hence the marble table in the center of the room. Dissections were only carried out in winter months since Zanussi had not yet invented the refrigerator. The hall contains statues of famous Bolognese physicians in the past.
At the head of the room is the Lecturer’s chair held up by two ‘skinless’ statues. They are dated 1734 and signed by Ercole Lelli, however, it’s believed they were in fact made mostly by Silvestro Giannotti, who contributed 12 more sculptures here.
The large figure of Apollo on the ceiling looms over the hall and is surrounded by other symbols representing heavenly constellations.
This corridor is above the double loggia in the court yard and is open to the public and tourists. We are heading now towards another fascinating room which is often used to hold meetings and exhibitions. The public library is actually at the opposite end of this wing.
One of the most impressive features in this complex are the huge collection of inscriptions and memorials to the professors of the university. These are accompanied by 6,000 thousand heraldic shields with names of students who passed through its doors. This rich decoration of history can be seen on walls, arches, loggia and staircases. These shields or coats-of-arms were all the fashion and one further way of immortalizing family names.
Students were divided into Citramontani (meaning Italians) or Ultramontani (meaning foreigners).
In the 18th century the university was transferred to Palazzo Poggi in 1803 and this complex was used by primary schools for theology. The City Library took control in 1838 having been only founded a little earlier in 1803.
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