The Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio was built between 1562 and 1563 at the behest of the Papal Legate of Bologna, Cardinal Carlo Borromeo, and the Vicelegate Pier Donato Cesi, designed by the Bolognese architect Antonio Morandi known as Terribilia. The purpose of the operation, matured in the cultural climate of the Council of Trent, was to give a unified headquarters to university teaching hitherto dispersed in various offices. The part dedicated to the Library is not accessible for tourist visits.  

The hall, called “theatre” because of its amphitheatre-like shape, was designed in 1637 for the anatomical lessons and it was built by the Bolognese architect Antonio Paolucci, called “il Levanti", a pupil of the Carracci.

The rich decoration of the Archiginnasio constitutes the largest existing heraldic wall complex and it has excited the admiration of visitors and scholars of all times. The coats of arms had to strengthen the idea of authority and power of the institution.