University of Padua

University of Padua is the second-oldest university in Italy and one of the oldest in the world.

The University of Padua was founded in 1222 by a group of students and teachers from the University of Bologna. It was originally founded as a school of law, but it quickly expanded to include other disciplines, such as medicine, philosophy, and theology.

In the early 13th century, the University of Padua became a center of learning for students from all over Europe. It was particularly known for its medical school, which attracted some of the most renowned physicians in the world.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the University of Padua became a leading center of scientific research. Galileo Galilei taught at the university from 1592 to 1610, and he conducted many of his famous experiments in the university's observatory. Other notable scholars who taught at the University of Padua during this time include Nicolaus Copernicus, William Harvey, and Andreas Vesalius.

The University of Padua continued to flourish in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was one of the first universities in Italy to adopt modern teaching methods and research practices. The university also played a leading role in the Italian Risorgimento, the movement that led to the unification of Italy in 1861.

Today, the University of Padua is a leading research university with a strong international reputation.

The University of Padua has played a significant role in the history of education and research. It has produced some of the most famous scholars and scientists in the world, and it has made important contributions to many fields of knowledge. The university continues to be a leader in education and research today.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, University of Padua is positioned as the #236 top university in the world, which makes it the #4 top university in Italy. The university's global rank decreased by 17 points from last year.