University of Palermo

The University of Palermo was officially founded in 1806, although its earliest roots date back to 1498 when medicine and law were taught there.

Starting from the second half of the 16th century, from their seat at the Collegio Massimo al Cassero, the Jesuit Fathers granted degrees in Theology and Philosophy - subjects in which they had been masters for over 200 years.

At this time, Ferdinand I decided to grant a good seat to the Accademia, moving its location to the Convent of the Teatini Fathers next to the Church of St. Giuseppe.

After the unification of Italy in 1860, the University of Palermo was modernized under the impetus of the chemist Stanislao Cannizzaro, and the minister and specialist in Arab studies, Michele Amari, more or less assuming its present appearance.

Not far from Palazzo Steri, on land formerly belonging to the Chiaramonte, the Botanical Gardens of Palermo constitute a renowned part of the university.