Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome, also called simply Sapienza or the University of Rome, is a public research university located in Rome, Italy.

The Sapienza University of Rome was founded in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII as a Studium for ecclesiastical studies. It is the first pontifical university and one of the oldest universities in the world.

The university was initially located in the Lateran Palace, but it moved to its current location in the historic center of Rome in 1660. In 1870, when the papacy lost the city of Rome to the Kingdom of Italy, the Sapienza became the basis of a royal university, which in 1935 became the present-day state university.

The Sapienza University of Rome has played a significant role in the history of Italy and the world. It has educated many notable figures, including Pope Francis, Enrico Fermi, Rita Levi-Montalcini, and Umberto Eco. The university has also been a center for research and innovation, and its faculty and students have made important contributions to a wide range of fields.

During the 19th century, the Sapienza University of Rome was a center of the Italian Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification. After the unification of Italy in 1861, the university became a major center of learning and research in the new kingdom.

In the early 20th century, the Sapienza University of Rome expanded rapidly. New faculties and departments were added, and the university's enrollment increased significantly. The university also played a leading role in the development of modern science and technology in Italy.

During World War II, the Sapienza University of Rome was heavily damaged by Allied bombing. However, the university was rebuilt after the war, and it continued to grow and expand.

Today, the Sapienza University of Rome is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Europe. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines. The university is also a major center for research and innovation.

The Sapienza University of Rome is a vibrant and cosmopolitan community. It has students from all over the world, and its faculty and staff are highly accomplished scholars and researchers. The university is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and public service.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2026, Sapienza University of Rome is positioned as the #128 top university in the world, which makes it the #2 top university in Italy. The university's global rank is improved by 4 points from last year.