Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio

A classic, old library and a wood-paneled anatomical theater in Bologna. Time to hit the books and the body.

The exterior courtyard of the Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio, all glass and columned arcade.

In the corridor near the anatomical theater, old medallions cover the walls. Awards for best vascular system?

Inside the anatomical theater. Comfortable seating for spectators, a Cold Stone Creamery-like marble slab for the star attraction.

The wood paneling of the theater is no joke. Carving, sculptures, filigree. If you can't stomach looking at the cadaver, plenty of details to draw the eye on the surrounding walls. In the library, more medallions of importance and victory.

About that library. Iconic, classic, old world woody. And no browsing.

Basilica di San Petronio In Bologna

The biggest church on the most prominent piazza in Bologna is the Basilica di San Petronio. It was started in 1390 and work continued off and on (mostly off) into the 1500s. And, still, the front facade is unfinished. What's the rush?

The impressive front entrance. Lovely marble at the bottom, "We'll get to the other part later" up top.

Inside altar, Jesus strapped to gold. Post-death diorama. High theater.

Trophy case. The basilica won a lot of loaves and fishes tournaments in their day.

At the beginning. Such proud animals in that manger. Finely painted, the impressive Chapel of the Magi.

More Jesus, this time in a box, bathed in golden light. Stuffy.