The University of Bologna, located in the heart of the Italian city by the same name, is unanimously recognised as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Founded in the early 11^th century, this iconic institution has played a crucial role in the development of higher education, the dissemination of knowledge and the fostering of research over the centuries.

The history of the University of Bologna dates back to 1088, when a group of students and professors came together with an idea of establishing an institution for teaching and research. By this time, Bologna was already a major intellectual centre, drawing in scholars and researchers from all over Europe.