University of Bari

Overview

The origins of the University of Bari trace back to 1581, when the "Collegio della Compagnia del Gesù" initiated degree courses in Philosophy and Human Sciences. In the early 18th century, the Enlightenment spurred advancements in physical and natural sciences, leading to the establishment of curricula in Medicine, Law, Chemistry, and Botany in Altamura. By 1772, the Royal College relocated these university activities to Bari, including notable programs in Legislation and Agriculture.

In the 19th century, under G. Murat, new university schools (Licei) were introduced in the Apulia region, though many were closed or moved to Naples after Italy's unification in 1861-62. To sustain higher education in Bari, construction of the "Atheneum" began on March 14, 1868, and was completed on December 28, 1889. The University of Bari was officially established on October 9, 1924, building on the legacy of the Graduate Schools of Pharmacy and Notaryship, which were created post-unification as successors to the "Reale Liceo delle Puglie."

In January 1925, the Faculty of Medicine was founded, incorporating the existing School for Midwives, and the School of Pharmacy became a faculty. Over time, additional faculties were established, including Law, Economics and Commerce (originating from the School of Advanced Studies of Commerce, founded in 1882), and Agriculture. From 1944 onward, the university expanded to include faculties such as Humanities and Philosophy, Mathematics, Physics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Education Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Foreign Languages.