Collegium Maius, Medieval university building in Erfurt, Germany
Collegium Maius is a university building with Gothic architecture and a decorative portal on Michaelisstraße in central Erfurt. The late Gothic windows and overall structure provide insight into the importance of this institution during the medieval period.
The building was constructed in 1435 near Michaeliskirche and served as the hub of the university until its destruction in World War II. The postwar reconstruction involved choices between restoring the original or reimagining the site.
The name reflects its role as the main college building of the former university, and its Gothic facade still shapes the appearance of the old town today. Visitors can read the connection between academic traditions and the surrounding urban space in the architecture.
The building now houses offices of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany, with guided tours available to visitors. Its central location on Michaelisstraße makes it easy to find and part of a larger walk through the old town.
The 2011 reconstruction blends original historical components with contemporary architectural elements, showing how monuments can be reinterpreted today. This mix of old and new makes the building an example of how heritage sites adapt to modern times.
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