Mathematical Tower

Mathematical Tower, also called Astronomical Tower, tops the main building of the University in Wrocław. It was built in the 18th century. In the beginning, an astronomical observatory operated here, hence its name. Today, it's occupied by the museum. The panorama of the city can be admired from here.

Imperial Stairs lead to the top. The large terrace with sculptures by Mangdolt at the corners was built around the tower. The only remains after the observatory is the meridian placed on the floor which, in the past, was used for measuring solar altitude.

The tower's observatory was built in 1791 by former Jesuit, physicist, and astronomer Longinus Anton Lorenz Jungnitz. He conducted not only astronomical research here but also meteorological. It was closed at the beginning of the 20th century because of the worsening visibility caused by city lighting and air pollution.