University of Pisa

The origins

Officially founded in 1343, the University of Pisa has deep roots in Italian and European history. Its origins probably date back to the eleventh century. In the twelfth century Pisa already boasted a “Universitas” in the original sense of the word: a community of students and lecturers. Leonardo Fibonacci, the famous mathematician who introduced Greek geometry and Arabic mathematics to Europe, worked here.

In 1343, Pope Clement VI’s bull In Supremae Dignitatis officially recognised the University as a Studio Generale, granting it unique privileges and autonomy that were only afforded to other European cities such as Prague and Heidelberg.

The Medici family and Galileo Galilei

In 1473, under Lorenzo de’ Medici, the University was strengthened, and the Palazzo della Sapienza was founded, which remains the historic seat of the University. It was a time of innovation and discovery, with notable figures such as Andrea Cesalpino and Galileo Galilei beginning important scientific studies. In 1543, Cosimo I de’ Medici founded a botanical garden, now known as the Botanical Garden of Pisa, one of the oldest in the world.