 Since 1488, all Spanish monarchs have reconfirmed its Royal patronage.It is arguably the oldest institution carrying the name "Spanish" outside of Spain, predating the union of the crowns that led to the formation of the Kingdom of Spain.In 1923, a correspondent for "The Times", who calls the college a "picturesque Spanish oasis in the centre of old Bologna", reports of the visit of the King and Queen of Spain to the college.