The University of Siena, Italy Is Home to a Collection of Wax Models

Besides the spectacular Piazza del Campo, Cathedral and Torre del Mangia, Siena has plenty of incredible hidden gems that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Being home to one of the most famous universities in Italy, Siena hosts interesting museums and collections that despite not being so famous, are incredible and worth a look.

Built in 1240, the University of Siena is one of the oldest of Europe and the world. Frequented by students from all across the globe, the university is known to be one of the best schools in Italy. But it isn’t just a school, it is also home to excellent and hidden collections that deserve to be discovered by everyone who wants to see off-the-beaten-track things in town.

One of the most interesting collections in Siena is the anatomical collection of the university. It is located inside the Museum of Natural Anatomy, former Accademia dei Fisiocritici, which is under the management of the university and part of the anatomical and biomedical department. The collection originated from the famous Italian anatomist Paolo Mascagni.

The anatomical collection dates mainly from the 19th century and includes several medical drawings and a large collection of wax anatomical models, skulls and fetuses. The most interesting part of the museum is the educational collection of 19th- and 20th-century models of lymphatic angiology, the area of dried anatomical specimens and also the anatomical drawings, mostly realized by Paolo Mascagni, who wasn’t only an anatomist but also a great illustrator.