Was this building always a museum? La Specola, you might be surprised to learn, started its life not as a museum for the public, but as a place for royal wonder. The Imperial and Royal Museum of Physics and Natural History, its grander former name, was established right here in 1775 by Grand Duke Peter Leopold. Imagine showcasing exotic plants, peculiar fossils, and glittering minerals – it was a sight to behold! At that time, La Specola was a pioneer, the first of its kind in Europe to open its doors to everyone, regardless of their social standing. The museum’s collection is a fascinating mix of the old and the new. You’ll find animals from all over the world, some sadly extinct, meticulously preserved in these halls. But there’s one exhibit that truly makes La Specola special, and a little bit eerie: the anatomical wax models. These incredibly lifelike wax figures, created in the 18th century, offer a glimpse into the human body with startling realism. Think about the skill it took to create these anatomical masterpieces, so accurate they were once used to teach medical students! La Specola is a journey through scientific curiosity, a place where history and nature collide in fascinating ways.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,