Founded in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII, Sapienza University of Rome is the oldest university in Rome and one of the oldest in the world. Originally called the Studium Urbis, it became known as Sapienza — meaning 'wisdom' — in the 1660s after an inscription over its main gate reading 'Initium Sapientiae Timor Domini.'

Today, Sapienza is the largest university in Europe, with over 120,000 students, 3,500 professors, and 11 faculties spanning 65 departments. The university offers more than 300 degree programmes, including over 59 taught entirely in English, and maintains 44 libraries and 19 museums on its expansive campus near Rome's Termini station.

Sapienza's alumni include 10 Nobel laureates, Italian prime ministers, a pope, Presidents of the European Parliament, and pioneering figures such as Maria Montessori and Enrico Fermi. The university excels in research across archaeology, physics and astrophysics, humanities, nanotechnology, aerospace, and cell and gene therapy.

Sapienza University is organized into 11 faculties and 65 departments, offering an extraordinarily broad range of programmes from bachelor's through doctoral level. The university provides over 300 degree programmes, including 59 taught entirely in English, covering virtually every academic discipline. Sapienza's interdisciplinary approach connects centuries of tradition with cutting-edge research and innovation.

Sapienza University of Rome offers some of the most affordable tuition in Europe for a major public research university. Fees are income-based for eligible students and vary by country of residence for international students. Public funding from the Italian Ministry of Higher Education helps keep costs low.

Sapienza's main campus, the Città Universitaria, is a self-contained city within Rome covering 44 hectares near the Termini central station. Designed by Marcello Piacentini and inaugurated in 1935, the campus features distinctive rationalist architecture alongside modern research facilities, 44 libraries, 19 museums, and a botanical garden.

Main Campus Entrance

The iconic entrance to the Città Universitaria on Piazzale Aldo Moro welcomes students into one of Europe's most historic university campuses.

Central Campus Piazza

The heart of the campus features open courtyards and gathering spaces where students from all faculties come together between lectures.

University Libraries

Sapienza maintains 44 libraries including the historic Alessandrina Library founded in 1667, housing over 2.7 million volumes with some offering 24-hour reading rooms.

With over 120,000 students from around the world, Sapienza offers a vibrant and diverse student community. The university organizes a wide range of cultural, social, and sporting activities throughout the year, and the city of Rome itself provides an unparalleled backdrop for student life.

Sapienza University consistently ranks among the top universities in Italy and globally, with particular distinction in Classics and Ancient History where it holds the number one position worldwide. The university's strong research output and academic reputation place it in the top tier across multiple international ranking systems.