The Morgagni Anatomical Theatre: 100 Years of Pathological Anatomy Education at the University of Padua (1924-2024).

Abstract

Between the 15^th and 16^th centuries, the medical school in Padua revolutionised the field of anatomy through a series of scientific discoveries and educational innovations, culminating in the construction of the world's first stable anatomical theatre. This theatre was inaugurated in 1595 within Bo Palace by Hieronymus Fabricius (1533-1619).

The anatomical theatre was used for lectures until March 7, 1874, and the structure was preserved as a museum at the request of Giampaolo Vlacovich (1825-1899), the last anatomy professor to use it. Soon after, new theatres were built under the direction of Lodovico Brunetti (1813-1899) at the former convent of San Mattia, where many disciplines relocated to stay close to the new Giustinianeo Hospital. Subsequently, in the early 20^th century, under the leadership of Augusto Bonome (1857-1922) and Vittorio Rossi (1865-1938), the Rector of the University of Padua, it was decided to construct a new building for anatomical studies to replace the inadequate facilities at San Mattia. Construction of this ambitious project began in July 1920, starting with the autopsy room, called the Morgagni Theatre, which was completed in December 1922. Today, the theatre commissioned by Bonome just re-opened after a respectful restoration, with the aim of continuing the important educational activities in anatomical pathology as in the past.