Collegium Maius

Historic Building in Kraków

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Krakow 161

Collegium Maius, located just a short walk from Kraków’s Main Square, is the oldest surviving building of the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364 by King Casimir III the Great. The university is one of the oldest in Europe, and Collegium Maius has long stood at the heart of academic life in Poland. Originally serving as a place for lectures, studies, and student residence, the building played a crucial role in shaping Poland’s intellectual and cultural heritage. Its Gothic architecture, with a beautiful arcaded courtyard, still echoes the atmosphere of medieval learning.

Renaissance Courtyard and Architecture

The building underwent significant expansions in the 15th century, acquiring its distinctive red-brick façade and arcaded galleries. The courtyard, framed by elegant Gothic arcades, became the central space around which academic life revolved. In the 16th century, Renaissance elements were added, blending with the Gothic style to create a harmonious and inspiring environment. Today, this courtyard is a popular place to pause, admire the architectural details, and imagine what life was like for students in earlier centuries. The clock on the courtyard wall even features moving wooden figures that reenact a parade of historical university professors at set times each day.

A Place of Famous Scholars

Collegium Maius has been the academic home of some of Poland’s greatest minds, including Nicolaus Copernicus, who studied here in the late 15th century before formulating his groundbreaking heliocentric theory. The atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and innovation that defined the university has endured through the centuries, making the building not just a historic monument but also a symbol of Poland’s contribution to global knowledge. Other notable figures such as Jan III Sobieski, who later became king, also walked through its halls as students.

The Museum of the Jagiellonian University

Today, Collegium Maius houses the Museum of the Jagiellonian University, which was established in 1947. The museum preserves and displays priceless collections that reflect the history of the university and European scholarship. Visitors can see astronomical instruments once used by Copernicus, medieval globes, rare manuscripts, and scientific tools spanning centuries. The museum also showcases portraits of rectors and professors, ceremonial university maces, and collections of art and furniture that highlight the rich traditions of academic life in Kraków.

Why You Should Visit Collegium Maius

Collegium Maius offers more than just a historical glimpse—it provides an immersive journey into the world of medieval learning and the evolution of science and culture in Europe. Whether you are drawn to the architectural beauty, the inspiring legacy of Copernicus, or the treasure trove of artifacts preserved within the museum, this site is a must-see for anyone interested in Kraków’s heritage. The courtyard is free to enter, making it an accessible stop on a walking tour, while the museum offers deeper insights into centuries of knowledge and discovery.

Collegium Maius Visiting Tips

The courtyard is always worth a visit and is free of charge, serving as a peaceful and scenic introduction to the museum.
Guided tours provide richer insight and allow access to certain spaces like the Rector’s Staircase and the Green Room, included in extended tour options.
Best time to visit: Wednesday afternoons offer free self-guided entry (13:30–17:00).
Accessibility: The building includes wheelchair-accessible entry points and toilets House of Attractions Kraków.

The Collegium Maius appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Kraków!

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