Sapienza University of Rome

Public research university in Rome, Italy

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Logo of Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome (Italian: Sapienza – Università di Roma), also called simply Sapienza, is a public research university located in Rome, Italy. Founded in 1303, it is one of the oldest universities in the world and the largest in Europe by enrollment, with over 115,000 students. Sapienza is a member of several international university networks and is renowned for its research and academic excellence.

History

Sapienza University in 1938

The university was established on April 20, 1303, by Pope Boniface VIII as the Studium Urbis. It was intended to be a center of higher learning for the city of Rome. Over the centuries, Sapienza has grown and evolved, becoming a leading institution in various fields of study.

In the 17th century, the university was moved to the Palazzo della Sapienza, where it remained until the 1930s. The building is notable for its beautiful courtyard and the church of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, designed by Francesco Borromini.

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, designed by Borromini

In 1935, the university moved to its current main campus in the San Lorenzo district, designed by architect Marcello Piacentini. This move was part of a broader effort to modernize the university and expand its facilities.

Campus

Entrance to the main campus of Sapienza University

The main campus of Sapienza University is located in the San Lorenzo district of Rome. It covers an area of 44 hectares and includes numerous buildings, libraries, and research centers. The campus is a hub of academic and social activity, with facilities for students and staff.

The university also has several satellite campuses and research centers throughout Rome and the surrounding region, offering a wide range of programs and courses.

Academics

Sapienza University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The university is organized into 11 faculties, including Humanities, Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Political Science.

The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, with numerous research centers and institutes dedicated to advancing knowledge in various fields. Sapienza is particularly renowned for its contributions to physics, engineering, and humanities.

Notable Alumni

Maria Montessori, an alumna of Sapienza University

Sapienza University has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. Some of the most distinguished alumni include:

• Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator best known for the philosophy of education that bears her name.
• Federico Fellini, an acclaimed Italian film director and screenwriter known for his distinctive style.
• Enrico Fermi, a physicist who created the world's first nuclear reactor and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1938.
• Evangelista Torricelli, an Italian physicist and mathematician, best known for inventing the barometer.

Federico Fellini, a renowned film director

Enrico Fermi, Nobel laureate in Physics

Related Pages

• List of universities in Italy
• History of education in Italy
• List of oldest universities in continuous operation