University of Naples Parthenope

Overview

The University of Naples Parthenope was founded in 1919 at the request of Vice Admiral Leonardi Cattolica, who established it as the Royal Naval Institute to study various aspects of the oceans and seas. The institute was not only focused on marine life but also explored the economic and trade systems related to maritime activities, aiming to address and evaluate the economic challenges of the sea while promoting scientific advancements.

In 1999, the university expanded beyond its original Faculties of Economics and Nautical Science (later renamed Science and Technology) by integrating three newly established faculties: Law, Engineering, and Sport Science. This expansion led to significant growth in student enrollment, rising from approximately 1,000 students in 1985 to around 13,000 today. This transformation officially marked the institution’s evolution into the University of Naples Parthenope.