Our story begins in 1558 with Alessio Fontana-no, not a famous Renaissance coffee-slinger, but a generous resident who donated his entire fortune for the creation of a Jesuit college here in Sassari. By 1562, diligent Jesuit fathers were already giving lessons. Imagine small groups of students, their brows furrowed, puzzling over volumes of philosophy and theology as the salty island wind fluttered through open windows.
Fast forward to 1617. After much insisting from the Jesuits, the town leaders, and Archbishop Antonio Canopolo (who did more fundraising than a modern university with a new football stadium), King Philip III finally gave the college the grand title of “Regia Università Sarda”-the Royal Sardinian University. It could officially grant degrees in philosophy and theology, which must have caused quite a stir in the city. I wonder if anyone threw their graduation cap in the air yet? Or just their hats.
The university’s fortunes rose and fell with the tides of history, each storm leaving its marks. In 1632, the privilege of granting degrees in Law and Medicine was secured. Suddenly, you could study to become a philosopher or a physician-or, for those with a taste for drama, both at once. Over the centuries, the university expanded its faculties. By 1765, under the rule of the House of Savoy, reforms modernized the curriculum and brought a whiff of continental air: new professors arrived from Piedmont, bringing European ideas and, we hope, decent cheese.
The central building you see rising before you, the Palazzo dell’Università, has evolved almost as much as the university itself. Built on less-than-glamorous grounds-a refuse pile and old brickworks-the original structure was started in 1611. Each addition and renovation bears a layer of history. After all, where else could you find two distinct courtyards: one for students and one adjacent to the old Jesuit quarters? In 1927, the façade was redone in reinforced concrete, decorated with late Renaissance flair. Today, when you walk beneath its portico, you’re strolling in the footsteps of centuries of students seeking shelter from sudden downpours.
Step inside-at least in your mind-to the grand Aula Magna, a masterpiece decorated by Mario Delitala in the 1920s. Imagine the sweeping frescoes depicting the founding moments of the university. Scenes of solemn table discussions and historic royal charters are painted with vibrant gestures. Even the ceiling is alive: an allegorical painting of four muscled, statuesque figures representing the first four faculties-Law, Veterinary, Medicine, and Pharmacy-draped in streaming, colorful ribbons. Delitala even designed the doors and the cattedra, a monumental lectern almost intimidating enough to make students forget their stage fright.
The library has its own secret stories, starting with Jesuit priests bringing rare tomes and continuing with 17th-century donations from archbishops. At one point, after a roof collapse in 1837, the precious books spent five years in limbo-if those pages could talk, they’d probably complain about the draft and demand better lighting.
Through revolutions, royal proclamations, and countless reforms, the University of Sassari has grown into a modern institution. Today it boasts a crop of faculties from architecture to veterinary medicine, and a library system with over 600,000 items-enough to make the most dedicated student weep with joy (or panic during exam season).
So as you gaze up at this historic building, remember: behind every stone and every echoing hallway, generations of thinkers, dreamers, and even the odd prankster have marched through the centuries, eager for knowledge and maybe just a little keen on skipping class. Who knows? Maybe the next chapter of this university’s story is waiting for you to write it.
Seeking more information about the university palace, faculty of medicine or the features? Ask away in the chat section and I'll fill you in.
