The University of Bologna is a public research university in Bologna, Italy. Teaching began around 1088, with the university becoming organised as guilds of students by the late 12th century, it is the oldest university in continuous operation in the world, and the first degree-awarding institution of higher learning. The university's emblem carries the motto, Alma M…The University of Bologna is a public research university in Bologna, Italy. Teaching began around 1088, with the university becoming organised as guilds of students by the late 12th century, it is the oldest university in continuous operation in the world, and the first degree-awarding institution of higher learning. The university's emblem carries the motto, Alma Mater Studiorum, and the date A.D. 1088. With over 90,000 students, the University of Bologna is one of the largest universities in Europe.