In the 17th century Saint Sava was actually an old monastery built in Bucharest's historic centre, in the proximity of today's University Square.

The founding of this college in the late 17th century was brought about by a strong European influence, mostly Italian, that encouraged the rise of the national spirit.

In Wallachia (Southern Romania), the most remarkable representative of this trend was Constantin Cantacuzino, a writer and a boyar, who had been educated in Padua, Italy.

As Constantin Cantacuzino was determined to have a college similar to the Italian ones set up in Bucharest, his brother's coming to power in 1678 made it possible for him to achieve his goal.

Saint Sava Academy thrived during the reign of Constantin Brâncoveanu's, who sketched out the curriculum and ensured the funds needed to run the school.