University of Bologna, Cradle of Western academia, a beacon of knowledge

Via Zamboni 33

4.5

Introduction

The University of Bologna was founded in 1088, and is one of the oldest universities in the Western world. Along with the University of Paris, Oxford University, and the University of Padua, it is one of the four cultural centers of Europe. The Latin name of the University of Bologna, "Alma Mater Studiorum," means "nourishing mother of studies" and is a term of respect for this historic university. Many famous figures, such as Dante, Petrarch, Dürer, Erasmus, Goldoni, Galileo, and Copernicus, have studied or taught here. From its beginnings in philosophy and medicine to today's eleven colleges and hundreds of majors, the University of Bologna has witnessed the development of higher education in the world. Its departments are scattered throughout the city of Bologna as well as its branch campuses in Cesena, Forli, Ravvena, and Rimini. The university's faculties are mainly located on both sides of Via Zamboni, which starts at the Two Towers and ends at the San Donato city gate. The university library and the museums of various departments are also located in the surrounding area. In the middle of Via Zamboni, there is a square called Piazza Verdi, which is a resting and gathering place for university students, and also hosts various music concerts and events in the summer.