Old Town

The Karolinum is the symbol of Charles University, the oldest university in Central Europe.

This unique national cultural monument was established by Charles IV in Prague in 1348 for twelve masters of higher learning. The Karolinum has been part of this Prague university since 1383. After some construction, it served as the seat for not only professors who taught and lived there, but the campus also became a ceremonial meeting place of the university and a residence of the chancellor or academic representatives. Jan Hus also held lectures at the Karolinum. Today the Karolinum is the seat of the administration of Charles University and a place for university graduation ceremonies. Many interesting art and photography exhibitions take place in the Gothic halls.