Charles University
Prague, Czech Republic
TEXT Beneath Illustrations
Baroque style building |
|
||
|
|
|
|
Carolinum / Karolinum |
Carolinum / Karolinum |
Carolinum / Karolinum |
Carolinum / Karolinum |
Gothic oriel window from 1370 |
|
||
Decorative wall pendant sculpture |
|||
Corbel with decorated buttressing |
Founded by Emperor Charles IV on 7 April 1348. Being founded in 1347 - the first university in the Holy Roman Empire and in Central Europe, in general. It is the oldest university north of the Alps.Its seal shows its protector Emperor Charles IV with his coats of arms as King of the Romans and King of Bohemia kneeling in front of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia.
CarolinumThe rector's seat of Charles University since the 14th century, this Gothic building contains a large hall (the Old Great Hall), used today for special ceremonies such as graduations, and the Oriel Chapel which was rebuilt in baroque style in 1718. It was further renovated in the 1930s and in the 1950s after being badly damaged by the Nazis at the end of World War II.
Today the Charles University has facilities all over Prague and the Carolinum houses only some medical faculty offices, the University Club and occasional academic ceremonies.