The University of Bologna was probably the first in the western world. Its history is one of great thinkers in science and the humanities, making it an indispensable point of reference in the panorama of European culture. The institution that we today call the University began to take shape in Bologna in 1088, when masters of Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic began to devote themselves to the law.
The University’s fame had spread throughout Europe and it was a destination for many illustrious guests. Famous scholars and students included Pico della Mirandola and Leon Battista Alberti, who devoted themselves to canonical law. Nicolò Copernicobegan his astronomical observations while studying pontifical law. Paracelso, Raimundo de Pegñafort, Albrecht Dürer, St. Carlo Borromeo, Torquato Tasso and Carlo Goldoni all spent time at the University.

Today, 87,000 students have chosen the University of Bologna, making it the most popular university in Italy. Teaching and extra-curricular activities take place in 934,000 m2 of space in the campuses of Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini. The staff is composed by 6,000 persons, that work in 33 Departments and realize 12,000 research products every year. The library system offers access to 24,000 on-line periodicals, 150,000 e-books and 500 databases, while 70,000 computers are connected to the university network.