The University occupies a cluster of buildings on the western side of the Square. It is one of the older institutions in the town — old enough that its founding charter is written in a language few can now read, though the library holds three different translations. The quadrangle is open to visitors, and often full of students arguing amicably beneath the colonnades.

The faculties are many: theology and philosophy, natural sciences and mathematics, history, music, and the arts. There are also evening lectures open to any member of the public who cares to attend, and the professors consider it a point of honour to make themselves understood without recourse to unnecessary jargon.

Open Lectures

Every Thursday evening the Great Hall opens its doors for a public lecture on a subject of general interest. The standard of debate is high, and the standard of the refreshments afterwards — provided by the Café next door — is higher still.