The Collegienhof

The tour starts at the somewhat concealed street An der Alten Universität. The Collegienhof courtyard (1) with its three buildings and botanical garden to the west at the wall is located here in the north western area of the once walled city. The large college house (Collegium majus or Philosophicum) stood in the middle of the courtyard between the dean's residence and the family living quarters. The building, which was constructed between 1498 and 1507, with a third floor being added in 1693, is often identified as representative of the entire university. The elaborate portal is crowned by an image of Mary and Jesus. Students of the arts (philosophical) and medical faculties walked through these doors. When the university was relocated, the building was used for different purposes. It was mainly used as a school until it was demolished in 1962 to make way for the new building that stands here today. The only reminders that remain of the original Collegienhof are the new street name and the decorative wall depicting the Viadrina professors created in 1990 by Frankfurt sculptor Walter Kreisel.