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.