Founded in the sixteenth century, the University of Seville, with a student body of over 50,000, is one of the top-ranked universities in Spain. The University of Seville is steeped in history and is one of the most important cultural centers in Spain, dating back to the 15th century when the Catholic Kings recovered the area from the Moors. Today, the University of Seville is well known for its vital research in Technology and Science which not only aids the development of science as a whole but, more importantly, enriches and develops not only the culture of Seville but all of Andalusia. The university takes pride in its self-government and independence but, above all, in its ability to provide a public service at such a high standard due to the caliber of the professors and lecturers that teach there.