History

The foundation of the University of Catania, the oldest in Sicily, dates back to 1434, when the king of Spain, Alfonso of Aragon (who was also King Alfonso I of Sicily) authorised the establishment of a Studium generale with the privilege of issuing legally valid academic titles - baccellierati, licenses and degrees - in the four core disciplines of theology, canon and civil law, physical (medical) and joint philosophy, liberal arts (literature), the papal recognition arriving ten years later from Pope Eugene IV.

Prior to this, the main centres of education were in Palermo, Messina and Trapani. However, none of them held the jus  doctorandi or the right to grant degrees which could only be given by the Pope. In 1444, the first four faculties were established in Medicine, Philosophy, Canonic & Civil Law and Theology & Arts. Students began to attend classes in 1445, however it was not until two centuries later that the university gained its own establishment in Piazza Università. It still stands in the Piazza today, in the former grounds of the hospital of St. Mark’s. The former hospital was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1693 leaving students without a place to study. In the interim period before it was rebuilt, the resourceful students, unperturbed by such events and endowed with infinite determination, transferred classes to wooden huts near the harbour. The new building, designed by Giovan Battista Vaccarini, was a magnificent  monument of Baroque architecture.

The University of Catania was not only structurally powerful. It also held the exclusive right by Royal decree to grant degrees within the reign of Sicily. Although the hierarchical power of the university was  in the hands of the Church, the Rector, an elected student in his or her last year of studies, had the power to put students on trial.

The start of the academic year was marked by 25 chimes from the Cathedral bell. Throughout the year, a porter marked daily any absences on the part of professors. The figures were then taken to a notary who subtracted a day’s wages from their pay.

At the end of his studies, a student was awarded his degree in the Cathedral as well as a gold ring and a blessing from the Archbishop. Although this ceremony and many other traditions have fallen into disuse, the academic structure of the university is still as strong today as it was in the first half of the 15th century when it started out with just 10 students.

Today the university buildings are spread throughout the city, with a contrast between the modern, hi-tech “University City”, and numerous historical buildings in the old city centre.

More than 60,000 students attend lessons given by over 1,500 professors in the 12 faculties, which in turn are staffed by over 1,200 administrative employees.