Collegium Maius — the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University

Poland's oldest university

The Jagiellonian University was founded in 1364 and is among the oldest universities in Central Europe. Collegium Maius is its oldest surviving building — a Gothic structure extended over the centuries. Among its most famous students is the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.

The courtyard and the museum

• The arcaded courtyard — open to all, one of the most atmospheric in Kraków
• The university museum — historic rooms (including the great hall), scientific instruments and collections
• The clock with its mechanical figures — a short display in the courtyard at certain hours
• Location — the Old Town, a few steps from the Main Market Square

In practice

The courtyard is open to all, while the museum rooms can be seen only in guided groups with timed tickets — book in advance. It is easy to combine with a walk round the Old Town; seeing the rooms takes about an hour.

How to get there and practical info

Address

ul. Jagiellońska 15, Kraków

The courtyard

Open to all

The museum rooms

Timed tickets, guided groups — book in advance

From the Main Market Square

About 5 min on foot

The mechanical clock

A short display in the courtyard at certain hours

Time needed

About 1 hour (the rooms)

When to go