Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. It is best known for its contributions to medical and scientific advancement, due in part to the fact that it houses the oldest university botanical garden in the world. Additionally, it not only offers a wide range of Italian language courses, but also many degree tracks in English, making it an attractive choice for international students interested in Italian academic culture and tradition without compromising English language skills.