Granada University, founded in 1531 by King Carlos V, is one of the oldest universities in Spain. The University of Granada belongs to the Coimbra Group of Univerisities, which is the most historic and prestigious alliance of European universities. The prestigious universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Lovaina and Bolonia are all members of the group. In the fields of academic theory, education, research and publishing, the University of Granada ranks in the top five of 52 universities in Spain, as well as the University of Barcelona. It is recognized as the most important educational institution in Southern Europe in terms of the number of students, academic research and infrastructure. The strong historical and cultural accumulation and the innovative spirit of looking forward to the future form the two main lines of the school's distinct personality.