Archiginnasio of Bologna

About this place

In the heart of the palace is the university Chapel of Santa Maria dei Bulgari, a reflection of history. The construction of the Archiginnasio dates back to the 16th century, when the Piazza Maggiore was drastically remodeled under papal orders; the Fountain of Neptune was built during this same period. The construction of the Archiginnasio was commissioned by Pope Pius IV through papal legate Charles Borromeo and vice-legate Pier Donato Cesi during the years of the Council of Trent, who then entrusted the project to Antonio Morandi. Construction began at the end of February 1562; built very quickly, it was inaugurated on October 21, 1563. Begin with the overall setting, then look more closely at the details described in the site history. This connects the monument with the city around it and helps distinguish its original purpose from the meanings it acquired in later generations.