13 University of Bologna

The University of Bologna, located in the city center, mainly around Via Zamboni, is the oldest institution of higher learning in Europe. Established at the end of the 11th century primarily as a law school, it soon afterward developed its ancient tradition of humanistic studies. Petrarch, Copernicus and Tasso studied there. In 1988 the University celebrated its 900th anniversary with great pageantry. It has repeatedly been ranked as the most prestigious university in Europe.