University of Warsaw

Why visit?

The main campus of the University of Warsaw on Krakowskie Przedmieście is the most beautiful academic enclave in the capital. The university was founded here in 1816 and has remained Poland's largest and best-known institution of higher education, today attended by almost 40,000 students. Behind the neo-Baroque Main Gate designed by Stefan Szyller and adorned with statues of Urania and Athena lies a courtyard with the Kazimierzowski Palace — a 17th-century royal residence, now the seat of the rectorate. The university also has remarkable biographies attached to it: Nobel laureates were associated with it, from Henryk Sienkiewicz, who studied at its predecessor, the Warsaw Main School, through Czesław Miłosz to Olga Tokarczuk. The historic Old Library building houses the University Museum, and in spring and summer the university garden welcomes visitors — one of the pleasantest corners of downtown Warsaw, perfect for a break on a walk along the Royal Route. The campus lies steps away from Krakowskie Przedmieście, Castle Square and Nowy Świat, so it fits easily into a full day of exploring the Old Town. Visiting the campus is free and possible during the day; the University Museum is open on weekdays (around 10:00–16:00, last admission 15:30). Allow 30–60 minutes for a relaxed stroll around the gate, courtyard and garden, and about 45 more for the museum. During term time it can get busy between classes — the calmest moments are summer holidays and early mornings.

What you’ll see

• Neobarokowa Brama Główna z posągami Uranii i Ateny
• Pałac Kazimierzowski — dawna rezydencja królewska, dziś rektorat
• Ogród uniwersytecki otwarty w sezonie wiosenno-letnim
• Muzeum UW w gmachu Starej Biblioteki
• Dziedziniec kampusu kilka kroków od Traktu Królewskiego

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