Südstadt-Campus

Could a university campus whisper secrets of centuries past? Here at the Südstadt-Campus of the University of Rostock, the air hums with the echoes of innovation and tradition. The Südstadt-Campus, a relatively new addition to the university, embodies the forward-thinking spirit of this historic institution. But its very existence is intertwined with a rich past, a story that begins long before these modern buildings graced the landscape. The University of Rostock, established in 1419, is one of Germany’s oldest universities. Its journey has been one of resilience and reinvention. Imagine the year 1565. A devastating fire ravages the university’s “Collegium philosophicum.” From the ashes rises the Collegium Album, a gleaming white structure, stark against the brick buildings of Rostock. This “White College,” built on the site of today’s main building, symbolizes the university’s enduring spirit. The university flourished, becoming a beacon of learning in the Baltic Sea region. It weathered storms, both literal and figurative. In 1677, a fire swept through Rostock, claiming the law school in the Alter Markt. Yet, the university persisted. The tumultuous Thirty Years’ War brought Catholic troops and Wallenstein himself, as the university’s chancellor, to Rostock. Amidst the conflict, academic life continued. Even a centenary celebration of the Augsburg Confession took place under occupation. The 18th century saw the university facing new challenges. Duke Friedrich Wilhelm commandeered almost the entire Collegium Album, leaving the university with just the ground floor. Despite this, the pursuit of knowledge continued. Later, the university navigated political turmoil, including the “Mecklenburg troubles,” and witnessed the rise and fall of the Hanseatic League. By the turn of the 19th century, while other universities faltered, the University of Rostock stood firm. It even played a role in quelling civil unrest, offering its Auditorium Magnum as a temporary prison. The Napoleonic Wars brought new disruptions, with French and then Russian troops occupying university buildings. Yet, each time, the university rebounded. The Südstadt-Campus stands as a testament to this remarkable history. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including vibration and radiation-protected laboratories, are a far cry from the humble beginnings of the Collegium Album. The Südstadt-Campus, a hub for scientific research and cutting-edge technology, represents the latest chapter in the University of Rostock’s ongoing story. It’s a place where the whispers of the past mingle with the promise of the future, a true embodiment of “Traditio et Innovatio.”