description Galileo's Vertebra Overview
Galileo's Vertebra is a preserved bone taken from Galileo Galilei's remains during his reburial in 1737 at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, where a monumental tomb was erected in his honor. Galileo had originally been buried in a modest location in 1642 following his death, and his later transfer reflected his growing recognition as a foundational figure of modern science. Other relics, including fingers, were also removed during the 1737 reinterment and are now held at the Museo Galileo in Florence. Santa Croce serves as the resting place of numerous prominent Italian cultural and intellectual figures.
help Galileo's Vertebra FAQ
Where is Galileo's vertebra kept?
Galileo's fifth lumbar vertebra was donated to the University of Padua in Italy. It is separate from the fingers and tooth displayed at the Museo Galileo in Florence.
How did Galileo's vertebra become a relic?
The vertebra was removed when Galileo's remains were transferred to his monumental tomb in Santa Croce on March 12, 1737. The physician Antonio Cocchi later held it, and Domenico Thiene donated it to the University of Padua in 1823.
Where was Galileo first buried?
Galileo died at Arcetri on January 8, 1642, and was initially buried in a modest location in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. His remains were moved to the monumental tomb in the same basilica in 1737.
What have medical studies found about Galileo's vertebra?
X-rays and CT scans show slight arthritic irregularities and minimal osteophyte formation rather than severe visible disease. Those findings do not rule out the reactive arthritis and blindness proposed in later medical studies.
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