University of Rostock, Rostock

University of Rostock, Rostock

Founded in 1419 under the name Alma Mater Rostochiensis, the University of Rostock stands as a venerable institution with deep-rooted traditions. It holds the distinction of being the oldest university in the Baltic Sea region. With approximately 15,000 students, the University of Rostock currently holds the distinction of being the largest university in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, too. The University main building was erected in the years 1867 – 1870 and is an example of Renaissance Revival architecture in Mecklenburg.

The university's heyday began in 1563 when the rulers and the City of Rostock negotiated equal status in patronage, ushering in an era of academic growth and prosperity. However, in the middle of the 17th century, the university's prominence waned due to the impact of wars, a devastating city fire, and the decline of the Hanseatic League.

It wasn't until the 19th century that the University of Rostock began its journey of revival. With the fall of the Berlin Wall, a commitment to modernization and progress was embraced, making the university an attractive destination for students from all corners of the globe.

Today, the university's main building primarily consists of two parts: the southern wing, known as the New Museum, was constructed in 1844 as a "Museum for the University of Rostock," designed by the accomplished architect Georg Adolph Demmler. Additionally, from 1867 to 1870, the central building and the right wing were constructed on the site of the old university, the White College, under the architectural vision of Helmuth Bogislav Hermann Willebrand.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rostock. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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University of Rostock on Map

Sight Name: University of Rostock
Sight Location: Rostock, Germany (See walking tours in Rostock)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Rostock, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Rostock

Create Your Own Walk in Rostock

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rostock is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rostock Introduction Walking Tour

Rostock Introduction Walking Tour

According to Germany's prestigious Historic Highlights list, the lovely town of Rostock on the Baltic Coast is one of the country's 16 lesser-known destinations that you may wish to explore. They say a day trip here is a must for anyone visiting Berlin or Hamburg.

Rostock was originally founded by Polabian Slavs in the 11th century as "Roztoc," which means "fork of a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Warnemunde Walking Tour

Warnemunde Walking Tour

A mere 20-minute journey from the charming city of Rostock brings you to Warnemünde, a coastal town renowned for being a prominent stop for cruise ships. Remarkably, it stands as one of the most bustling cruise ports in all of Germany!

As you meander through Warnemünde today, it's hard to imagine its humble beginnings as a quaint fishing village. It was formally integrated into Rostock...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles