In Bologna, we visited the Archiginnassio, the 16th-century building that for many years was the principal, nearly only, building of Bologna’s ancient university. We went mainly to see the “anatomical theatre,” built for medical training, but the building itself is spectacular.
Among its features are the frescoes of classical scenes, and perhaps 7000 coats of arms, representing the families of students considered to have brought honor to the school (or perhaps alumni funds?) The building and its artwork survived both internal political struggles and World War II bombing, but requires constant maintenance to keep it looking as it does.
