The Second University of Naples (SUN) was established in 1991 (Decree MURST, 25 March) with the aim of relieving the overcrowded conditions of the major Neapolitan university known as the “Federico II”. On the official date of November 1st 1991, the Second University began to function autonomously with nineteen thousand enrollments and eight faculties located in five different territorial areas of Caserta and Naples. Currently, there are thirty thousand students attending the SUN’s 19 Departments. The University’s multicampus structure has two offices for its Rector: one in Naples and one in the Royal Palace of Caserta.
Famous historic buildings are home to the University’s Schools, Departments, Centers and Administrative offices. Many of these same buildings are also archaeological sites, such as the Department of Humanities and Cultural Heritage in Santa Maria Capua Vetere which stands on what once was a Roman Cryptoporticus and the Schools of Medicine which are located in the old City Center of Naples.