Country/Region/City
Each FISU World University Championship is more than just a sporting event — it’s a unique opportunity to discover a new culture, explore a region, and connect with a vibrant academic community.
This page introduces you to the host country and city for this edition, highlighting their history, key features, and commitment to sport and youth.
Italy
Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in southern Europe with its capital in Rome, one of the world’s most historically and culturally significant cities. Geographically, Italy is shaped like a boot that extends into the Mediterranean Sea and includes the major islands of Sicily and Sardinia. It shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, while being surrounded by the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, and Ionian Seas.
Italy is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary cultural and artistic heritage. From the ruins of ancient Rome and Pompeii to the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence, and from Venice’s canals to Milan’s role as a global fashion and design capital, the country represents a unique crossroads of history, art, and innovation. Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other nation, reflecting its importance to world civilization.
Beyond culture, Italy is also famous for its lifestyle and excellence in many fields: its cuisine, celebrated for pasta, pizza, wine, and regional specialties; its automotive industry, with iconic brands such as Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini; and its leadership in fashion and craftsmanship.
With its diverse landscapes, ranging from the snowy Alps and Dolomites to rolling hills, volcanic areas, and sunny coastlines, Italy attracts millions of visitors every year. It remains a global symbol of beauty, creativity, and tradition, combining its rich past with a dynamic modern identity.
Cassino
Cassino is a city in southern Lazio, Italy, situated at the foot of Monte Cairo and along the Liri River. It is best known for the Abbey of Montecassino, one of Europe’s oldest and most important monasteries, founded by Saint Benedict in the 6th century. The city was almost completely destroyed during World War II due to its strategic position on the Gustav Line, and was later rebuilt.
Today, with nearly 35,000 inhabitants, Cassino is a vibrant cultural and educational hub, home to the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio. It offers a unique blend of history, nature, sport, and modern life. Since the 1950s, its proximity to the world-class Olympic Training Center in Formia has made it a significant destination for athletes, while Montecassino Abbey and the many war cemeteries stand as lasting symbols of history, not only for Italy but for the entire World War II Alliance.
Cassino is conveniently located about 130 km from Rome and 90 km from Naples, making it easily accessible from both major airports.
University of Cassino and Southern Lazio
The University of Cassino and Southern Lazio is a young and dynamic public university, established in 1979. Over the years it has grown into a key center of higher education in central-southern Italy, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in economics, engineering, humanities, law, and sport sciences.
The university is well known for its modern facilities and innovative teaching methods, with strong links between academic research and practical application. Its campus provides a welcoming and student-oriented environment, equipped with libraries, laboratories, and sports structures.
Thanks to its international outlook, the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio fosters cultural exchange and collaboration through Erasmus programs, partnerships with institutions worldwide, and research projects across disciplines. Closely connected with the local community, it plays an important role in promoting both cultural life and regional development.