We sallied forth to be in the University close to opening time to see the collections in Palazzo Poggi.
These consist of Shipping and ancient geographic maps, Military Architecture, Obstetrics, Human Anatomy, Natural history, Physics. There is also an Astrononmical museum which was closed during our visit. The collections were absorbing, particularly a room full of models of foetuses in various different positions in uteri, from normal positions which could be delivered with more or less difficulty to the extreme of being not compatible with life. These were used for teaching in the 18th century. Included were various barbaric instruments used for assisting delivery as well as a delivery seat which could well be used today. On the walls and ceilings wonderful frescoes, one room on the life of Samuel, another on the life of David. The snaps that follow can hardly encapsulate the history of knowledge on display.
After lunch we visited the monastic complex of Santo Stefano, a haven of peace in the middle of town near a large square with salubrious shops wine bars and restaurants. The complex includes polygonal San Sepulchro founded as a baptistery but dating in its present form from the 11th century, and San Vitale e Agricola also from the 5th century, incorporating fragments of Roman buildings, and lit by alabaster windows dating from 8th century.
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