The University Pavia

 

 

The University of Pavia is one of the oldest in the continent. Some of the most illustrious names that have taught at the University of Pavia include Alessandro Volta, Ugo Foscolo, Carlo Rubbia and many others in various disciplines. 

The history of the University of Pavia begins in the 9th century with the construction, by the Emperor Lothair, of a school in Pavia for young people in northern Italy. 

However, the real foundation of the Studium Generale, which the university originated from, dates back to 1361, thanks to the emperor Charles IV. Pope Boniface IX declared that this Studium would have the same accreditation as the prestigious universities of Bologna and Paris. 

 

However, the University of Pavia's prestige wouldn't be affirmed before the 15th century, when foreign students began to enrol in the institution. 

After an abrupt halt in the 16th century and after a period of cultural stagnation during the Spanish domination, the rulers of the House of Austria revived the university in the second half of the 18th century by improving the teaching and research facilities and restoring the university to its present appearance, with changes made by the architect Piermarini.