Vitéz was born in Sredna near Križevci in a Croat-Hungarian[1] family which was already influential at the Hungarian court.

Vitéz studied in Vienna, where he graduated in law and became knowledgeable in physics, astronomy and alchemy due to frequent contacts with other humanists.

In the chancery of King Sigismund, he probably met the excellent Italian humanist Pier Paolo Vergerio.

In that period, he helped strengthen the relations between the Croatian capital and the thriving Italian cultural and scientific centers.

Vitéz, who spoke and wrote in excellent Latin, had a major role in the international circle of humanists at Corvin's court, some of whom were prominent scientists, such as Regiomontanus, Bylica, Peuerbach, Hans Dorn.

He founded the academy and library in Oradea (moved to Esztergom) and the Universitas Istropolitana in Pozsony (currently Bratislava).