Old Medical Vienna

The history of medical education and practice in medieval Vienna

This tour is about the exploration of the fascinating history of medical education and practice in medieval Vienna, centered around the foundation of the University of Vienna in 1365. 

On this tour, we’ll journey through the streets of Vienna uncovering the origins of the oldest university in the German-speaking world and its pivotal role in shaping the Vienna Medical School. 

You’ll hear about the pioneering efforts of figures like Galeazzo de Santa Sofia, who introduced anatomy and conducted the first cadaver dissection north of the Alps in 1404, and the challenges faced by early physicians grappling with plagues, gangrene, and rudimentary surgical practices. 

We’ll delve into the societal and religious influences on medicine, the fatal division between academic physicians and craft-based surgeons, and the harsh realities of medieval hygiene and disease. From the tragic fate of emperors to the resilience of students in the Bursenviertel, this tour paints a vivid picture of a time when medical knowledge was rooted in ancient texts, Arabic scholarship, and emerging empirical practices. 

Prepare to step into a world where science, superstition, and survival intertwined in the heart of Central Europe.