Join a small-group guided tour of the Archiginnasio di Bologna, one of the city’s most important historical landmarks. Located in the heart of Bologna’s historic center, this iconic building was once home to the world’s oldest university and now houses the city’s main library. During the tour, you’ll explore the stunning Teatro Anatomico, where anatomy lectures were held centuries ago, and learn about the rich history of Bologna’s academic traditions. The tour ensures a personalized experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the cultural and historical significance of this extraordinary site.
Out at sunset: the 4:40 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:14 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 12.
The Archiginnasio Palace is one of the most significant buildings in Bologna. Located in the heart of its historic center, it has housed the Municipal Library since 1838. The Palace was built by Cardinal Borromeo between 1562 and 1563 based on a design by the architect Antonio Morandi, known as Terribilia, as the seat of the University
You will visit the famous Anatomical Hall of the Archiginnasio palace where you can stay for 10 minutes while listening to the guide's story. The hall, called Theatre for its characteristic amphitheatre shape, was designed in 1637 for anatomical lessons by the Bolognese architect Antonio Paolucci known as Levanti, a student of the Carraccis.
On the first floor of the building are the Library and the Historical Rooms. Usually not open without a guided tour. You can admire the hall
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 466 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Archiginnasio Small Group Guided Tour in Bologna lasts about 1 hour. The itinerary has 3 stops.
Prices start at $34 per person for this Bologna experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with 7 departures a day between 10:20 AM and 5:10 PM.
Children aged 6–12 pay from $17, adults from $34. Infants go free.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is We meet the tourists in front of the entrance of the Archiginnasio. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN, IT.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 17 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Bologna Tour & Best Italy Tour.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Increadable visit, so so intresting particularly the medical area. The guide was really knowledgeable and engaging she also provided suggestions for other visits (some of the artifacts had been moved to the Plazzia Poggie, (also well worth a visit)). Can highly recommend.
A must-see - very informative, entertaining, interesting, and you get to enter the wonderful premises - simply an all-around great tour.
Very interesting very informative without being tedious Small group visit started on time Excellent audio gadget
This was a very interesting tour with English speaking guide . Beautiful decor and worth going just to see the Teatro Anatomico.
Really good trip, where we also got interesting information about Bologna’s history. Can be recommended
Well explained tour and included interesting facts. We enjoyed the rooms and history the tour guide provided.
We appreciate your kind review and are glad you had a memorable time in Bologna. Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to more adventures together.
This tour was quite good. It is a fascinating place where the foundations of modern academia started. The tour guide did a good job of showing us the different aspects of the facility and what was their meaning. The anatomy room where the bodies were dissected is an absolute mind blowing place to behold. It is particularly fascinating for somebody like me who is in the field of medicine. There was really no downside to this. I do believe that if you’re in Bologna, it is a must do.
We're so happy you enjoyed your tour in Bologna! Thank you for your kind words. We always aim to provide unforgettable experiences, and we're glad you had one. We hope to see you again soon!
This is a short tour- only an hour- but full of content about this fabulous building with a brilliant and knowledgable tour guide.
We appreciate your lovely review! It's great to know you enjoyed your Archiginnasio tour with us. See you soon!
Our guide was very thorough, informative & helpful with any questions asked of her. She managed our group very well, despite some crowded areas. The Anatomical Theater was worth the price of admission alone.
Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the visit and appreciated the guide’s clarity and support throughout the tour. It’s wonderful that the Anatomical Theater made such an impression, it truly is a remarkable place. We’re glad the experience met your expectations and hope to welcome you again on another tour!
Super good guide. Works perfectly with headphones. And it was easy to meet our guide. The communication before was also perfect. 👍 good experience - where we also got an introduction to Bologna's history.
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that everything went smoothly, from the clear communication beforehand to meeting the guide and enjoying the tour with the headphones. It was a pleasure to have you with us, and we hope to welcome you again on a future visit!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archiginnasio Small Group Guided Tour in Bologna | 1 hour | 4.6 (17) | $34 | |
 Small Group Bologna Food Tour – Local Food & Market Experience | 4h 30min | 5.0 (934) | $126 | View |
 Bologna Small-Group Food Tour with Full Meal & Local Food Expert | 3h 30min | 4.8 (783) | $69 | View |
 Bologna Food Valley Small Group Factory Tasting and Winery Lunch | 8h 30min | 4.9 (307) | $176 | View |
 Bologna Walking Tour with Tower Sky View and Archiginnasio | 2h–2h 30min | 4.8 (17) | $56 | View |
 Guided group tour TastyBus: Parmesan Cheese and Parma Ham | 4–7 hours | 4.9 (259) | $160 | View |
 Cesarine: Small group Tortellini Class at Local's Home in Bologna | 3 hours | 4.9 (18) | $154 | View |