Naples Eastern University, Research university in Naples, Italy
Naples Eastern University is a research institution spread across multiple buildings in the city, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in languages, cultures, and international relations. The institution focuses on Asian, African, Mediterranean studies, and international affairs through its academic departments.
The institution was founded in 1732 by Matteo Ripa with papal recognition to teach Chinese language to missionaries. This founding marked the beginning of a distinct educational tradition focused on Eastern studies in Europe.
The library houses an extensive collection of rare books focused on Asian, African, and Mediterranean studies within the Palazzo Corigliano. Visitors can explore these materials to understand the institution's scholarly focus on non-European regions.
The campus is spread across multiple buildings in Naples, so plan time to navigate the different locations. The Maurizio Taddei library in Palazzo Corigliano is a good starting point for exploring the institution's collections.
Four young Chinese Christians brought by Matteo Ripa from China formed the original faculty and became the first Chinese language teachers in Europe. This connection makes the institution the birthplace of European Chinese language education.
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