University of Padua

The University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova, UNIPD) is one of the most well-renowned universities in Italy. Located in the north-eastern part of country, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and the second oldest in Italy, founded in 1222. As of 2003 the university has approximately 65,000 students.

History

The University of Padua was founded in 1222 when a large group of students and faculty left the University of Bologna seeking more academic freedom. Initially, the university only had a law school (universitas Iuristarum) including civil law, canon law, and theology. In 1399 the School of Arts and Sciences was opened (Universitas Artistarum) including astronomy, dialectic, philosophy, grammar, medicine, and rhetoric.

Related Topics:
1222 - University of Bologna - Academic freedom - Law school - Civil law - Canon law - Theology - 1399 - Astronomy - Dialectic - Philosophy - Grammar - Medicine - Rhetoric

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Students were divided in two Nations (Nationes): the natio citramontana which included Italian students and the natio ultramontana for foreigners.

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Between the 15th and 18th centuries, the university was renowned for its research, particularly in the areas of medicine, astronomy, philosophy and law, partially thanks to the freedom and independence guaranteed by the protection of the Republic of Venice, to which Padua belonged, from the influence of the Roman Catholic Church. During this time, the University adopted the motto: Universa universis patavina libertas (The Freedom of Padova is complete for everybody).

Related Topics:
Republic of Venice - Roman Catholic Church

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Padua was the first university to graduate a woman, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, with a degree in philosophy, on June 25, 1678.

Related Topics:
Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia - June 25 - 1678

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The university's (public) botanical garden is the first such garden in the world, founded in 1545. In addition to the garden, best visited in the spring and summer, the university also manages nine museums, including the renowned Museum of History of Physics.

Related Topics:
Botanical garden - 1545 - Museum - Museum of History of Physics

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