The Recek College - Collegium Sanctissimae Mariae was Founded in 1438 by the venerable Old Town citizen Jan Recek of Ledec, it quickly became one of the most respected student colleges within the framework of the medieval University of Prague. The college received 12 students from the Kingdom of Bohemia who were exclusively chosen to study the seven Liberal Arts and Theology. The founder bequeathed the College a house in the district of the Old Prague Town and joined the College with the neighbouring church of St. Stephen in the Wall, where the members of the College were to regularly assist in the liturgy. The Recek College, thanks to its contacts with Prague elementary and higher education institutions, became one of the most influential educational and cultural centres.