The University of Reggio Calabria (Italian: Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria) is a university located in Reggio Calabria, Italy. It was founded in 1968 and is organized in four faculties. On 17 June 1968, the Free University Institute of Architecture was founded in Reggio Calabria. 81 students were enrolled. The first lectures were held in the council chamber of the Provincial Offices. Two years later in February 1970 the I.U.S.A (State University Institute of Architecture) was set up with Doctor Francesco Pontorieri at its head. In 1972 the University symbol was chosen taking inspiration from the oldest gold coin in the National Museum in Reggio Calabria: it is the head of the Nemean lion dating from 400 b.C. The transformation of the I.U.S.A. into a state University was brought about by a law passed in 1982: the new Faculties of Engineering and Agricultural Science were set up in Reggio Calabria, while associated Faculties of Medicine and Law were created in Catanzaro. The first Rector was Antonio Quistelli. When Professor Pietropaolo succeeded him in 1989 the three Reggio Faculties were housed in rented buildings scattered round the Reggio area.