The Archiginnasio Palace was constructed between 1562 and 1563 as desired by the Papal Legate of Bologna, Cardinal Carlo Borromeo and Vice-legate Pier Donato Cesi. It was a project of Bologna's architect Antonio Morandi, titled Terribilia. The purpose of this operation during the cultural climate of the Council of Trent was to give a unit seat to the university teaching before being dispersed through various other seats. The external portion of the palace is presented by a long portico of 30 arches, and is pronounced in two internal floors around a central courtyard with a double order of loggias. Two grand staircases lead to the floor above that presents 10 scholastic lecture halls (which are unfortunately not able to been visited as they hold the principle book deposits of the library), and two home-lecture halls located at the two ends of the building. There is one hall for the artists (which is today a reading Hall of the Library) and one for the Legisti (ancient law students), titled Sala dello Stabat Mater. The sides of the rooms, the vaults of the grand staircases, and the open galleries are decorated with inscriptions and monuments commemorating the masters of the ancient university, as well as thousands coats of arms and students' names. At the conclusion of your visit, you will be invited to a typical Osteria to try a tasty bolognese "Ranocchi" accompanied by mortadella and tigelle, and partnered with Emilia-Romagna wine.