Italy is a country rich in ancient and prestigious schools and universities, but there is one with the longest history and the oldest academic tradition: the University of Bologna. Here are some historical, cultural, and academic details that make the oldest university in Italy unique, the crucial role Bologna has played in European culture, and the legacy it continues to pass on today.

The Emilian city is not only famous for the Torre degli Asinelli, its porticoes, and tagliatelle but also for hosting the oldest university in Italy: the University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is recognised as the oldest in Italy and the Western world still in operation. Known as the Alma Mater Studiorum, it has played a crucial role in the birth and development of the modern university system.