Anatomical Theater

The Anatomical Theatre of Padua is the oldest permanent anatomical theatre in the world, commissioned by Girolamo Fabrici d'Acquapendente in 1594 and still perfectly preserved. It can be visited at the Palazzo del Bo of the University of Padua.
The dissection table is surrounded by six tiers of carved walnut balconies.
Contrary to popular belief, the practice of dissecting corpses was not forbidden by the ecclesiastical authorities, so much so that the inscription in Latin "Hic est locus ubi mors gaudet succurrere vitae", meaning "This is the place where death is happy to help life", is still visible at the entrance of the anatomical theatre.