The college was founded in 1584 by the
Primate of Poland,
Stanisław Karnkowski, and it became a popular destination for the
nobility. In the 17th century, during the
Deluge, the college struggled when it and several other Jesuit colleges were looted by the Swedish armies. The college was known for its
drama department, with drama education occurring as early as 1592. and the college also eventually attracted playwright as a lecturer. The college in Kalisz and several other Jesuit colleges were closed in 1773 in the wake of the Jesuit suppression. Important collections of maps, books, and drama from the college still exist in the modern period, with some pieces residing at the
University of Warsaw Library. == Notable lecturers ==