The University of Bucharest was the second university to open in Romania, and even today is one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Classes officially began in 1864 even though the main building wouldn’t be fully complete for another five years. The designers took their cue from the likes of France, who had a long scholarly tradition. As the number of faculties and students grew, the main building was extended between 1912 - 1926, only to be severely bombed in the Allied attacks from 1944. Massive restorations were made after the war, but many wonderful details, like the statues on the frontispiece, were forever lost. The University of Bucharest is one of several state universities in the city and one of the largest in the country, with 19 faculties and around 34,000 students.