University of Vienna, Public research university in the Innere Stadt, Vienna, Austria
The University of Vienna's main building on the Ringstrasse was built between 1877 and 1884 by Heinrich von Ferstel. Its pale stone front is symmetrical, with a central dome topped by a lantern, rows of tall windows framed by pilasters, and a balustrade along the roofline. A projecting right wing rises under a curved, ribbed roof with a grid of square openings, above a columned entry with sculpted figures.
Duke Rudolf IV founded the institution in 1365 as the first university in German-speaking territories. The institution developed over the centuries into one of Central Europe's major educational establishments.
The name comes from the Latin designation Alma Mater Rudolphina, referring back to founder Rudolf IV. Students today use the historic lecture halls and arcade courtyards, where campus life unfolds between classes.
The main building on the Ringstrasse, designed by Heinrich von Ferstel and completed in 1884, faces the Ring at Universitätsring 1. Trams and the U2 line stop nearby, and the arcaded courtyards can be crossed on foot during opening hours.
The arcade courtyard in the main building displays 154 busts and memorials honoring scholars and researchers from different centuries. The collection continues to grow and documents the scientific tradition of the institution.
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