The center of the Roman Empire, cradle of the Renaissance, birthplace of the opera, country of the world's most influential cuisine and the highest density of museums - who studies Italian studies, opens up an immensely rich historical and cultural treasure. The study in Basel also meets many interests: from the Italian language to culture and literature, from life to the history of Italy and the Italian Switzerland to daily up-to-the-minute questions. It is divided into two subject areas. In linguistics, the Italian language and its uses are considered in historically, socially and communicatively different contexts. Literary studies lead in the philological and historical analysis of literary texts from the origins to the present, whereby the relationship to other artistic, especially figurative works comes into view. Finally, in language courses, students expand their communicative and editorial skills.