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Studying in Le Marche
... Since
the enlightened days of the Renaissance the Marche has been one of central
Italy's leading centres of scholarship and many are drawn to the region to
study at one of its three ancient universities.
Urbino
University
The oldest is Urbino University, founded in 1506 at around the time that
Raphael was born in the city. It was set up under Duke Guidobaldo whose
glittering court at Urbino produced the genius of Castiglione and his Book
of the Courtier. Few universities can boast such a magnificent
backdrop to scholarly pursuits. During the long summer recess, Italian
language courses are also available for foreign visitors.
Camerino
University
While Camerino University may not be so old - it was founded in 1727 by
Pope Benedict XIII - it boasts an almost equally venerable setting as
Urbino in the centre of this historic old town. The main part of the
university now fills the splendid Palazzo Ducale but other faculty
buildings are spread further afield, including the new Faculty of
Architecture at the Marche's southern capital of Ascoli Piceno.
Macerata
University
The third ancient academic institution in the region is Macerata
University, founded in 1540 by Pope Paul III. Here, too, the elegant
harmony of the town seems to fit so well with the pursuit of knowledge.
One of it's earliest students may well have been the town's great Jesuit
missionary Matteo Ricci, reckoned by many to be the first real
"ambassador" to China from the Western world.
Ancona
University
As well as its trio of ancient centres of learning, the Marche also has a
large, modern university at the regional capital of Ancona. Its renowned
faculties include an important Faculty of Medicine attached to the
region's largest hospital.
Language
Courses
As well as studying at one of the region's celebrated universities,
visitors and residents might well want to brush up their Italian at one of
the many accredited language schools across the region.
© 2001 Liberation Ventures Ltd.
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