An unexpected collection of seven (previously eight) skulls wellcomes the visitors in the Hall of Medicine in the University of Padua central site (Palazzo Bo), near the famous Anatomical Theatre. Even if the origin of the collection is debated, most them are attributable to well known professors of the University1.
Some of them were physicians or surgeons, such as physiologist Stefano Gallini, physician and rector of the university Floriano Caldani, eminent surgeons Giacomo Andrea Giacomini and Bartolomeo Signoroni (1796-1844). The collection was started by anatomist Francesco Cortese, the last professor to use the old Anatomical Theatre between 1838 and 1848: he was also interested in phrenological teories and he probably started to collect the skulls of eminent scientist to study them according to phrenology2.
Some years ago, the skull of Santorio Santorio was moved to the Museo di Storia della Medicina (MUSME) where it is on display.
- Photos by Luca Borghi @ (March 2025)
- Locate the item on this Google Map