Spread over a vast area of 411 acres, the University has an exceptionally beautiful and picturesque campus. The lush green lawns adorned with beautiful fountains of the British times and the majestic building of the University are a constant source of attraction to the aesthetically oriented people of Pune, filmmakers, musicians and celebrities. The University campus is covered with a large number of age - old trees, which provide shade and beauty, and the peaceful surrounding make for a very invigorating environment for serious studies and research

The Main Building

Savitribai Phule Pune University is symbolically identified with the Main Building, it is a monumental building with a beautiful architecture, and its tower project high in to the sky bearing the flag of the University. The office of the Vice-Chancellor, Dean's Chambers and Records Section are located in the Main Building. Meeting of various academic bodies are conducted in the four prestigious halls of the Main Building Viz., Yashwantrao Chavan Sabhagriha, Sant Dnyaneshwar Sabhagriha, Shivaji Sabhagriha and the Sant Gadge Maharaj Sabhagriha.

Thus Goes the Legend

The lofty Main Building of the Savitribai Phule Pune University was once the residence of the governors of Bombay in the days of the British Raj. It was built in 1864 when Sir Bartle Frere was the Governor. Designed by James Trubshawe, the magnificent edifice was built in Ganeshkhind, on the outskirts of what was then called Poona. Architecturally, it defies classification though its spiritual antecedents are Italian and the 80 feet flag tower has been described as an 'Victorian rendering of an Italian campanile'. The building was inspired by Prince Albert's Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

The cost of residence was Sterling Pound 175'000 to build, nearly six times the amount raised by the sale of the Governor's previous residence. The building of such a palatial house in the aftermath of the cotton crash in Bombay was severely criticized and referred by the British Parliament as 'a typical instance of the extravagance and insubordination of the Governors of Bombay'. Sir Frere defended his action staunchly, the house was not habitable by the time he left India in 1867. His successor, Sir Seymour FitzGerald carried out the furnishing and decoration, and he in turn was criticized for being extravagant, especially for the sterling pound 500 chandelier in the ballroom-which still sparkles, adding to the grandeur of the Ballroom!

Currently Work is on to restore it to its original glory.