Initially, its purpose was to be a "support" institute for the promotion of studies aimed at improving maritime economy and naval technology.

It played a strategic role during Fascism: the University experts elaborated and calculated the exact and best air routes for the Oceanic trips performed by the Royal Italian Sea Planes, the "Trasvolata Atlantica".

Several airplanes, leaving their base in Orbetello, arrived to New York City and, in a second trip, finally come to South America: it was a great technological and political success for the regime.

The main premises of the “Parthenope” University are located directly in the front of the passenger port of Naples.

Additionally, “Parthenope” has acquired classrooms buildings on the Posillipo coast and in the former church of San Giorgio dei Genovesi, located in the centre of Naples.