The new Aula

In the reigning years of the imperial couple Francis I. Stephen of Lorraine and Maria Theresia, extensive reforms were implemented in regard to the sciences and the universities. Two individuals were an integral part of these efforts: the protector of the university, Cardinal Prince-Archbishop Johann Joseph Graf von Trautson, who had advanced the study reforms of theology, philosophy and law, as well as Gerard van Swieten, president of the Medical Faculty and reformer of the study of medicine. The construction of a central university building was an expression of these reforms. In the middle of the 18th century, the various university institutions had still been dislocated and the education in theology and philosophy (since 1623) had been in the hands of the Jesuit Order. Removing these studies from the context of the Order and placing them under the care of the state was an important part of Maria Theresia’s reforms.