Old University of Perpignan

If you’ve just walked along the street next to us, its name might already have given you a hint — the story of Perpignan’s old university is just a few steps away. All you need to do is turn left, and head towards the large wrought-iron gate in front of you. Behind it, you’ll see a beautiful classical-style building. Let’s go back to the beginning. Perpignan’s very first university — called l’Estudi Major at the time — was founded in the 14th century by King Peter IV of Aragon. The idea was to make the Catalan city more attractive and lively. The university was originally located in the Saint-Matthieu district, and open only to “doctors, masters of all kinds, and students.” But over time, it declined and by 1710, it had no proper buildings left. Things took a new turn in the mid-1700s, thanks to the Count of Mailly, the university’s first true patron. This Marshal and Commander-in-Chief of the Roussillon province didn’t just fund the construction — he also donated a botanical garden and a plot of land to build the new university. The work was completed in 1763. The university was made up of two main parts. First, a dissection room for medical students — you may have passed it just a moment ago. Then, this red-brick building in front of you. Its palace-like design was no accident — it was meant to show that Roussillon’s elite belonged to the intellectual world of Enlightenment France. Until it closed in 1794, four main subjects were taught here: arts, theology, law, and medicine. That doesn’t sound like much today — but back then, it covered the essentials. That’s the beauty of progress… even in education. Since then, the building has had many lives. It became a public library, then a fine arts museum, and finally, in 1980, the home of the city archives. Today, it also hosts temporary exhibitions in its main wing. And since 2005, the entire site has been officially listed as a historical monument.