Palacký University Olomouc - PU (Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci)

Olomouc is a prominent centre of education and culture. The history of higher education in Olomouc began in 1566, when a Jesuit college was established here. In 1573 this college was granted University rights, identical with those of other European institutions of higher education.

The University of Olomouc, the second oldest university in the Czech lands (after Charles University in Prague), spread its influence not only through Moravia and Silesia, but also in Austria, Germany, Poland, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.

Jesuits governed the University for two hundred years and the Faculty of Theology played a central role in its life. Later the Faculty of Philosophy was established, where natural sciences were also studied.

The era of the Old University is associated with the names of numerous outstanding scientists - for example Jakub Kresa (the "Euclid of the West"), Gregor Mendel, the founder of genetics, and the astronomer Karel Slavíček (who also worked for the Chinese Emperor). The famous general, Duke Albrecht of Wallenstein, was also a student of the University.