Stunning College Campuses Worth The Trip To Europe

5. University of Bologna, Italy: The Cradle of European Higher Education

In the winding medieval streets of Bologna, where arched porticoes stretch endlessly and history feels alive, stands the world’s oldest university. Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna laid the very foundations of European higher education, establishing the modern academic model still in use today. Walking through its historic Archiginnasio, with its frescoed ceilings and ancient wooden lecture halls, one can almost hear the voices of early scholars debating philosophy and law. But Bologna is far from just a relic of the past—it’s a buzzing student city, where medieval towers loom over lively piazzas, where traditional tagliatelle al ragù fuels late-night study sessions, and where academic legacy meets the joy of Italian culture.