One of the oldest universities in northern Europe, founded in 1419 — making it older than most German universities and predating the Reformation. The main university building on Universitätsplatz is a handsome Baroque structure that dominates one of Rostock's finest squares. The Universitätsplatz itself, with its mix of medieval and Baroque buildings, is the most architecturally impressive open space in the city.
The university gives Rostock an energy and intellectual life that its industrial harbour origins alone would not suggest. The area around the campus is good for a wander — cafes, bookshops, and a more local feel than the tourist-oriented old town streets nearby.