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Mathematical Tower and Viewpoint - University of Wrocław

Pl. Uniwersytecki 1 Gmach Główny Uniwersytetu
50-137 Wrocław

http://muzeum.uni.wroc.pl/

In a room

The Mathematical Tower is a part of the University of Wrocław building. It is located in the center of Wrocław in the Old Town, and the terrace on it provides a fantastic viewpoint!

Opening Hours

May-September: Monday-Friday (except Tuesday) 10-17, Saturday-Sunday: 10-18, closed on Tuesdays
October-April: Monday-Sunday (except Tuesday) 10-16, closed on Tuesdays
For current information and ticket prices, visit: http://muzeum.uni.wroc.pl/godziny-otwarcia/

Mathematical Tower - observation terrace, Wrocław

View of Wrocław from the Mathematical Tower terrace

University of Wrocław

The main building of the University of Wrocław is located at Uniwersytecki Square. Next to the building, you will find a gnome - the rector. We enter through heavy, historic, and richly decorated doors - perhaps the most beautiful in all of Wrocław!

Imperial Staircase

The representative staircase leading to the tower is called the Imperial Staircase.

Former Observatory

The tower used to house an astronomical and meteorological observatory, which is why it is also often called the Astronomical Tower. Today, it houses an exhibition of ancient astronomical instruments.

Exhibition of Ancient Astronomical Instruments in the Mathematical Tower

Mathematical Tower - the 17th Meridian?

An interesting fact is that there is a line running through the tower - many sources mistakenly state that the 17th meridian runs through the Mathematical Tower. This is due to an error made by a certain astronomer. The actual meridian is located slightly further away - at the Millennial Bridge. However, it is true that there used to be a meridian line in the mathematical tower, called the meridian - an astronomical instrument used to determine noon and precisely set up astronomical devices for observing the sky.

The line was 30 cm wide and was located on the floor and wall of the Mathematical Tower. It consisted of marble tiles of various colors and a stretched silk thread. There was a special opening in the ceiling through which sunlight would enter. The instrument determined solar noon with an accuracy of 5 seconds.

Today, the characteristic line on the floor is only a memory - the opening was plastered over before World War II, and the silk thread is no longer present. However, efforts are being made to fully recreate the former meridian.

Mathematical Tower - visiting with children

The exhibition itself is quite serious, but that doesn't mean children won't enjoy it! We can show the youngest visitors the ancient sundials - some of them had special cannons that were ignited by a lens, thus indicating solar noon. The stairs leading to the tower are comfortable.

Sundials - exhibition in the Mathematical Tower

University of Wrocław - visiting

While at the University of Wrocław, it is also worth seeing other rooms, including the main Leopoldina Hall. It is one of the most beautiful and representative halls in the main building of the University of Wrocław. The most important ceremonies take place there.

Exploring the University of Wrocław - Leopoldina Hall

The university building is located on the site of the former Piast Castle. We enter through heavy, historic, and richly decorated doors - perhaps the most beautiful in the whole of Wrocław! ...