Mining Academy (now the A0 building of the AGH University)
The seat of the Mining Academy was planned already in the year 1913, following an architectural competition. However, due to the outbreak of the World War I, the design works were completed in 1925. Odrzywolski, a renowned architect and conservator, was finally supported by his younger colleague. The symmetrical edifice of four high storeys and many axes has a pediment, the higher entrance avant-corps with its recessed portal (of stylised Ionic columns of Palladian proportions), as well as avant-corpses at the edges. This architecture exudes both gravitas and classical calm. In front of the building there are two bronze sculptures – allegories of mining and metallurgy, whereby at the roof, at the main axis of symmetry, there is the figure of St. Barbara. The latter one was brutally liquidated by the Nazi German occupiers and restored as late as 60 years thereafter, in 1999. The AGH University maintains both the edifice and its surrounding in perfect condition.