The oldest university in the world is the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 in Italy. This institution is often recognized for establishing the structure and organization of universities as we know them today. The University of Bologna was a pioneer in promoting academic freedom and the importance of teaching and learning in a formal setting. Many modern universities can trace their roots to Bologna's model. Its influence on legal studies, humanities, and sciences has shaped higher education across Europe and beyond, maintaining a significant reputation for quality and scholarship throughout the centuries.