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Aula
Aula
Demolition of the old University Aula, built in 1574, began on
July 8, 1761. Construction of the new aula began in that same year. It is thought that the hall
was designed and built by J.K.Glaubitz. Professor of moral philosophy, T.Mackiewicz, defended
his doctorate in the new aula, which was completed on June 1, 1762. The new aula was three
storeys high, and had coffered arches, in the middle of which, painted on stone, was the goddess
Pallas Athena. On the walls, in gilded frames, hung 20 portraits: on the right side - Pope
Gregory XIII, Bishop W.Protasewicz, Bishop M.Giedraitis, Cardinal J.Radivilus, priests P.Skarga,
A.Vijukas-Kojalowicz, M.Sarbievius, O.Krüger, and others; on the left side - kings Sigismund
Augustus, Stephan Batory, Augustus II, Augustus III, and magnates C.Radivilus, M.Pacas, and
others. Installed on elevations along the walls were three rows of carved wooden benches with
backs. The aula was imbued with grandeur and stateliness.
The end of the university year was officially celebrated in the aula.
Usually in attendance at the ceremonies were the entire GDL aristocracy, senators, and toga-wearing
academy rectors and professors. When the University Aula was moved, in 1804, to the Smuglewicz Hall,
the old aula deteriorated. In 1810, curator A.J.Czartoryski proposed to the rector that the old
aula be rebuilt and adapted for the university library. The old aula was divided into two halls:
the bottom one was vaulted at the level of the first floor gallery, and designated the library
warehouse; in the top hall, artist J.Glovacki painted 136 square casements with rosettes in floral
frames, simulating carving. The Small Aula acquired features of Lithuanian classicism. In 1929,
on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the Vilnius University, the Small Aula was decorated
with sculptor K.Jelski's busts, formerly located in the F.Smuglewicz Hall, of sixteen of the
university's most eminent professors. Only five of the original busts survived to our day; the
others were recreated, according to extant iconography, by sculptor J.Jagėla. The hall was newly
renovated in 1979, and the classical, early 19th century ceiling paintings restored.
University café
The café was built on the site of the former old Academy aula.
When the university was closed, the library's first-storey hall was divided into five small
rooms and a corridor for the guards. This hall was structurally restored in 1977: all of the
later divisions were removed, the arches, and the windows onto Šv. Jono St. were restored
(the latter outfitted with neutral stained-glass drawings), the stairs to the second floor
were rebuilt, and the auxiliary quarters fixed up. Monolithic terrace flooring and granite
stairs were laid down in the hall, which is now the university café. It has been decorated
with new furnishings and paintings.
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2004
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