University of Naples Federico II

The columned facade of the University of Naples Federico II's main building in central Naples, Italy, with a sculpted pediment above the entrance. Naples breaks the pattern of the schools before it. Bologna, Paris and Oxford grew out of gatherings of masters and students, but Naples was created by decree: Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily, founded it in 1224, traditionally on June 5, and the university calls itself the oldest state university in the world. Even this date rests on a circular letter rather than a surviving charter, and the university itself admits some doubt over whether the month was June or July.