Academic coordinators: Prof. Gabriele Archetti, Prof. Francesca Stroppa, Prof. Simona Gavinelli
IRCLAMA academic coordinator (University of Zagreb): Prof. Miljenko Jurković

 

The formation of Europe is the result of a long process of encounters, mediation, and conflict between different peoples, cultures, and religions. These multiple dimensions, which over the centuries have at times appeared highly problematic, are today among the most significant features of Western Europe - its legal systems, its cultures, and its opportunities.

This process has entailed costs, developments, and consequences in social and organisational terms, as well as in the construction of cities and the adaptation of the human-shaped landscape. These many elements reflect the diversity of a Europe that struggles to present itself as unified, yet which—drawing on its intertwined histories—can rediscover shared cultural and intellectual foundations, not by overlooking its differences, but by building upon the vitality of its distinct identities.

Among the defining features of Western Europe, artistic and architectural forms are particularly significant, often extending beyond European borders and influencing other parts of the world.

Classical and medieval traditions, in particular, underpin a series of movements which, since the Enlightenment, have shaped - and continue to shape, also visually - the structure of cities, buildings, churches, squares, and monuments. Among these, Neoclassicism and the Neo-Medieval have played a leading role in the work of rulers, designers, restoration projects, and reconstructions. A detailed analysis of these developments allows for a deeper understanding of this heritage and of the transformations that have brought it to the present day.

Moreover, at the roots of Europe lie powerful traditions that draw directly from its historical development. Prominent among these are the Roman tradition, the so-called barbarian or Germanic cultures, and the profound religious experiences which - particularly through Christianity and later Islam - have shaped its many regions. Equally significant are the religious traditions stemming from biblical origins, which have played a decisive role in shaping European societies, cultures, and values. These aspects, which have found concrete expression in places of worship, rituals, literary production, and artistic and architectural forms, reveal both continuity and diversity in their development over the centuries.

 

The conference programme will be published as soon as it becomes available from IRCLAMA (International Scientific Colloquium of the International Research Centre for Late Antiquity and Middle Ages) at the University of Zagreb.

A short preparatory seminar will be organised for participating students in advance of the mobility period and the activities abroad, led by the academic coordinators.

21 - 25 May 2026

27 April 2026

he programme is open to students from all Faculties. It is particularly recommended for students and final-year students from the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Humanities, especially those enrolled in the following courses:

 

Prof. Gabriele Archetti: 

• Cultura e istituzioni del medioevo europeo (2025-2026), Brescia
• Cultura e istituzioni del medioevo europeo (2025-2026), Milan
• Civiltà del mondo antico e medievale (2025-2026), Milan
   

Prof Francesca Stroppa:

• Storia dell’arte contemporanea (con laboratorio) (2025-2026), Milan
• Storia dell’arte contemporanea (con laboratorio) (2025-2026), Brescia
• Arte contemporanea ed educazione al patrimonio artistico (2024-2025), Milan
   

Prof.ssa Simona Gavinelli:

• Paleografia latina (2025-2026), Milano e Brescia
   

The programme can accommodate up to a maximum of 30 participants. In the event of a higher number of applications, Cattolica International will assess, together with the academic coordinators and the conference organisers, the possibility of increasing the number of participants.

Students participating in the programme will be awarded:

• 50% of the ECTS credits for the relevant course exam will be recognised.
• 1 CFU as additional credit for international activity for students from all Faculties, provided that this is their first international mobility period within their current degree programme.

The programme is delivered in English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. A basic knowledge of English is therefore recommended.

No language certification is required, nor is it necessary to take a language test.

Participants are required to arrange their own travel and accommodation.

For accommodation, participants may refer to the information provided in the IRCLAMA conference call, which includes a reduced rate at a partner venue: an agreement is available with the International Hotel (Obala P. Kresimira 4, 51280 Rab, Croatia), located close to the conference venue, under the following conditions:

• full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• €81 per night in a single room
• €65 per person per night in a double room

To benefit from the reduced rate, participants must contact the hotel directly by email, specifying their participation in the IRCLAMA conference: sales@hotelirab.hr.

Alternatively, participants may contact Duomo Viaggi (Via Lanzone 24, Milan) for travel arrangements, bookings, or alternative accommodation solutions.

€ 35

 

The fee includes:

• orientation and support during the application process;
• insurance coverage, emergency number, and Student Safety Package;
• pre-departure assistance;
• tutoring during the mobility period abroad led by Professors Archetti, Stroppa e Gavinelli
• support upon return for credit recognition procedures;
• final self-assessment session “Welcome Back: unpack your experience!”, organised by Cattolica International.

 

The fee does not include:

• return flight;
• meals and accommodation;
• anything non expressely specified.

Università Cattolica offers 10 scholarships of € 200 each.

 

How scholarships are awarded and how to apply

• Scholarships will be awarded based on the academic merit*, and will be paid as a reimbursement.
• No separate application is required: students only need to apply for the programme.
• Priority will be given first to students and then to recent graduates.

 

* For students holding non-Italian qualifications, if no grade conversion has already been recorded in their academic record at Università Cattolica, a default score of 80/100 for the secondary school diploma and 90/110 for the Bachelor’s degree will be assigned.

Croatia is part of the European Union and a member of the Schengen Area. Italian citizens are therefore not required to obtain an entry visa.

Participants must ensure that their identity documents (passport or valid ID card for international travel) are valid.

Non-EU citizens should check the specific entry requirements applicable to Croatia.

 

Useful links:

Viaggiare sicuri

All participants will be covered by Università Cattolica’s “Student Safety Package” insurance policy.

Find out more