The Foundation of the Italian Centre for Mediaeval Studies in Spoleto has represented and continues to represent, in the framework of the world’s mediaeval research, a strong innovative factor, an opportunity of meeting and a very high level for scientific debate. It is not only a noble cultural institution, which prints books on the Middle Ages, but also an extraordinary scientific enterprise known throughout the world.

The Centro italiano di Studi sull'alto medioevo in Spoleto was established on 7 June 1952 under the initiative of prof. Giuseppe Ermini, rector of Perugia University then Minister of Public Education.

Established in 1957 under an appropriate law as a lawful public body, CISAM is today, as a result of D.L. no. 419 of 29 October, a Foundation with legal personality of private rights.