Wroclaw University is one of the city’s most important centers of learning, with a history that stretches back to the late 17th century. There are more than 40,000 students enrolled at the university and nine Nobel Prize winners have been educated here since the early 20th century. Past professors have included famous names like Alois Alzheimer and Robert Bunsen. Explore the interior of the main university building, check out the exhibition dedicated to its history and enjoy the views from terrace of the Mathematical Tower.
The university was initially established as a Jesuit school in 1670 and later founded as a university by Austrian Emperor Leopold I in 1702. Following World War II, a group of professors arrived from the University of Lwow and formed the university’s first Polish faculty. The university continues to function as an academic institution, but its main building is also open to tourists to explore. Pick up an audio guide on your way in. The audio guides are available in six different languages including English.
Head for the building’s Assembly Hall (Aula Leopoldina), which is found on the first floor. Considered to be one of the country’s finest secular Baroque interiors, the hall features ornate stuccowork, sculptures and paintings. Look up at its trompe l’œil ceiling fresco and admire the gildings by Franz Josef Mangoldt. Portraits depicting the university’s various founding fathers line the walls.
As you head up the staircase, turn your attention to the floor and notice the line marking where the 51st parallel latitude line runs through the building. Follow the staircase up to the Mathematical Tower, where you’ll find the 300 Years Exhibition. Dedicated to the history of the university, this eclectic collection features artifacts ranging from historic scientific equipment to stuffed birds.
Make your way to the terrace of the Mathematical Tower for scenic city views. Take a few photos and try to spot the city’s Old Town and Odra River.
Find Wroclaw University in the city’s University Quarter, north of Market Square. The main building is closed on Wednesdays and there is an admission fee.
