Where did you study? You are very cultured.
'Colto' = COL-to (masculine) / 'colta' = COL-ta (feminine). 'Studiato' = stu-DIA-to.
Use this as a compliment following an interesting conversation in which someone has demonstrated knowledge or intellectual curiosity. 'Colto/a' (cultured/educated) is high praise in Italy, where education and cultural knowledge are greatly respected.
'Colto/a' (cultured) derives from 'coltivare' (to cultivate) — a person who has cultivated their mind. It is a more elevated compliment than 'istruito/a' (educated, more formal qualifications). The question about where someone studied flows naturally after the compliment.
Sei molto informato/a su questo argomento.
You are very well-informed on this topic.
More specific to a particular knowledge area
Si vede che hai una mente curiosa.
You can tell you have a curious mind.
Complimenting intellectual curiosity over formal education
Parli di arte come un esperto.
You talk about art like an expert.
Domain-specific knowledge compliment
The University of Bologna is the oldest university in the Western world, founded in 1088. Italian universities have historically produced exceptional thinkers in art, science, law, and philosophy. Being associated with a prestigious university like Bologna, La Sapienza (Rome), or Bocconi (Milan) carries significant social prestige.