Founded by Philip III of Spain in 1620, the University of Cagliari was born with four teachings: Theology, Laws, Medicine, Philosophy and the Arts. In the second half of the 1700s, Palazzo Belgrano was built, which still houses the Rectorate and the University Library. With the Casati Law” of 1859, the Botanical Garden and Biological Station were developed in Cagliari.
Obtained in 1606 recognition from Pope Paul V and granted in 1620 the privilege of foundation by Philip III of Spain, the Universitas Studiorum Caralitana began its activities in 1626. Inspired mostly by the models of Spanish universities and to a lesser extent by Italian ones, the Studio Generale consists of four Teaching Colleges: Theology, Laws, Medicine, Philosophy, and the Arts.
In the Course of the 1600s, no appreciable changes in the Order take place. Remarkable, however, would be the changes introduced in the second half of the 18th century, following the Constitutions approved by Charles Emmanuel III of Savoy. In fact, alongside the reform of studies, the construction of a new University building was also initiated on the Balice Bastion in the Castle of Cagliari: the entire building, today the seat of the Rectorate and united with the former Tridentine Seminary, was built on a project by Captain Engineer Saverio Belgrano di Famolasco, commander of the Military Engineers in the Island: the inauguration of the building took place on November 1, 1769, coinciding with the beginning of the new Academic year.
The current facilities developed in three distinct phases over the 1900s. The 1930s saw the birth of the Faculties of Pharmacy, Magisterium and Mining Engineering; the post-World War II period was followed by Humanities, the Student House and the “Citadel of Museums.” In the 1980s the construction of the new university citadel and polyclinic began in Monserrato.
The gradual growth of the university has led to its current configuration into 6 Faculties and 17 Departments, which constitute the operational nuclei of the university organization in charge of achieving the primary objectives of the university: research and teaching, serving the high need for innovation required by today’s knowledge society.
With more than 24,750 enrolled students, 37 bachelor’s degree programs, 34 master’s degree programs and 6 single-cycle programs, 30 graduate schools, 15 doctoral programs, and 12 active master’s degrees, the University of Cagliari ensures an important contribution to the higher education of young people who choose to study in Cagliari and for the entire island community.
