Aragon Guide

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  Former Faculty of Medicine & Sciences

This is one of the most successful works by the architect Ricardo Magdalena; a building which responds to the historical tendency of the time, where the models of the Aragonese Renaissance Palaces are reintroduced.

Following this tradition, it is made of brick, with application of polychrome tiles and stucco relief. On the stone front four seated statues stand out, which represent important doctors and scientists, one of whom is Miguel Servet. In front of the main entrance four seated figures in stone represent important Aragonese doctors and sciencists, including Miguel Servet and Joaquin Costa. The whole unit was surrounded by solid and attractive iron railings, also designed by Magdalena, which disappeared in 1904.

The old Faculty of Medicine and Science of Zaragoza was the first to be officially recognised in Spain. The Nobrel Prize of Medicine, Santiago Ramon y Cajal studied here, later working as a professor. This fact is remembered inside with a sculpture by Benlliure carried out in 1923. The Assembly Hall, due to its capacity and excellence, become almost from the start, the University Auditorium; The most solemn ceremonies take place here: the Inagural Lessons of each academic year (since 1911), the official celebrations of San Braulio day (patron saint of the Zaragoza University and the investing of Doctors honoris causa. The former Faculty of Medicine & Sciences also houses the Paleonthological Museum (Longinos Navas Room) and the Great Hall and Library of the University.