Collegium Maius in Krakow - the oldest university building in Poland 🎓

The Collegium Maius is the heart of the Jagiellonian University and also the oldest university building in Poland. It is located just off Krakow's Main Square and its history dates back as far as the 15th century. It is not only a beautiful monument with a stunning courtyard and Gothic architecture, but above all a a place full of scientific and cultural history.

Nicolaus Copernicus himself studied at the Collegium Maius, and today there is a Jagiellonian University Museumwhich introduces visitors to the world of medieval education, astronomy, philosophy and academic life.

---

History of the Collegium Maius 🕰️

The Collegium Maius was built in 1400, when King Ladislaus Jagiello donated funds for the reactivation of the Krakow Academy after the death of his wife, Queen Jadwiga. Since then, the building has become headquarters of the university.

Over the centuries, the Collegium Maius has been:

• a place of learning for figures such as Nicolaus Copernicus,
  
• centre for humanities and science education in Central Europe,
  
• a collection centre valuable collections of astronomical instruments, maps, manuscripts and globes.
  

In the 19th century, as part of restoration work, the building gained its gothic character. There has been a museum here since the 1960s, which is constantly enriching its exhibitions.

Today, the Collegium Maius is not only a monument, but also a a living monument to sciencewhich recalls Krakow's centuries-old role as an intellectual centre.

---

Where is the Collegium Maius 📍

📌 Address: Jagiellońska 15 Street, 31-010 Kraków
🌐 See on Google Maps

The Collegium Maius houses in the very centre of Krakowjust a 3-minute walk from the Main Market Square. The building is located on quiet Jagiellońska Street and is surrounded by other historical buildings of the Jagiellonian University.

Access on foot from any part of the Old Town is very convenient. There are many cafes, restaurants and other attractions in the area - it's a great place to start or end a walk in Krakow.

---

Access and parking 🚗

🚌 Public transport: Nearest stops:

• "Bagatela Theatre" - trams: 3, 8, 20
  
• "Wszystkich Świętych Square" - trams: 1, 6, 20
  

🚶 On foot:
From the Main Market Square to the Collegium Maius you will walk in approx. 3 minutes.

🚗 Car access and parking:

If you plan to arrive by car, you can use the car parks in the area. For example, the following is recommended. guarded car park on Poselska Street, located approximately 300 m from the museum. 

♿ For people with disabilities:
The entrance and toilets in the Collegium Maius are adapted to the needs of wheelchair users.

---

Collegium Maius opening hours ⌚

🕙 Collegium Maius is open Monday to Friday in hours: 10:00 - 14:00

Courtyard open daily until 16:30.

📅 Facility is available all year round, there are no seasonal restrictions, but it is worth remembering that at weekends the museum is closed.

🎫 Last entry is possible about 30 minutes before closing - it's a good idea to plan your visit earlier, especially during the tourist season when there may be more traffic.

---

Ticket prices for Collegium Maius 🎟️

Prices depend on the form of tour (individual or guided) and the type of ticket.

👣 Individual tours:

• ticket normal - 17 zł
  
• ticket concessionary - PLN 10
  
• ticket family - 45 zł
  
• ticket dedicated free - PLN 0
  
• ticket dedicated chargeable - PLN 1
  

🗣️ Guided tour:

• ticket normal - 26 zł
  
• ticket concessionary - PLN 14
  

🏛️ Extended exhibition (guided only):

• ticket normal - PLN 31
  
• ticket concessionary - 25 zł
  

🎟️ Tickets can be purchased at the museum box office or online via the Jagiellonian University website:
👉 https://bilety.uj.edu.pl

❌ Reservations are not required, but for larger groups it is worth considering applying in advance.

💡 It is worth following the museum's profile on Facebookwhere news and special events are featured.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who the Collegium Maius is for

The Collegium Maius is a place that will delight both history buffs and those seeking an aesthetic experience. It is successfully visited by:

👶 Families with children

Children can see unusual exhibits, ancient scientific instruments and the famous clock with moving figures. For the youngest visitors, this is often a first encounter with the history of science in an attractive form.

👵 Seniors and persons with reduced mobility

The building has been partially adapted for wheelchair users - there are accessible entrances and a wheelchair accessible toilet ♿.

🧑 Individual tourists and organised groups

A variety of tours are available - alone or with a guide, also in foreign languages (English, German). Organised groups can take advantage of more extensive educational trails.

---

📸 What to see at the Collegium Maius

A visit to the Collegium Maius is a journey through the centuries - from the Gothic to the modern era. What is a must-see?

🏛️ Courtyard

This is the first thing that catches the eye - Gothic arcaded courtyard with cloisters and a distinctive figural clock that plays a tune at specific times and shows historical figures.

📜 Museum halls

The interior of the museum offers:

• Auditoriumwhere lectures were held,
  
• Old university shop with manuscripts,
  
• Collection of scientific instruments, globes and astrolabes,
  
• Professors' rooms with furniture from bygone eras.
  

🎭 Temporary exhibitions

The museum also organises temporary exhibitions - it is worth checking out what you can currently see on the website.

---

📚 Curiosities and legends connected with the Collegium Maius

🌟 Nicolaus Copernicus studied here

The most famous student of the Collegium Maius was Nicolaus Copernicus, who attended classes here in mathematics, astronomy and philosophy between 1491 and 1495.

⏳ Figural clock with moving figures

There is a clock in the courtyard which shows a procession of historical figures every hourincluding Queen Jadwiga, King Jagiełło and Copernicus himself. This is an attraction worth seeing in person!

⏰ Shows take place daily at times:
9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00

🕯️ Secret passages and hidden staircases

According to some legends, there were supposed to be secret passages in the Collegium Maius through which professors could quickly leave the building. Although this has not been confirmed archaeologically, it adds to the mysterious atmosphere of the place.

---

📷 Photographs and multimedia

📸 Can photos be taken?

In most of the museum's halls, you can take pictures without using flash. It is worth asking the staff in advance, as some exhibits may be excluded from photography.

🎥 Is a virtual tour available?

A selection of galleries and photographs are available on the museum's website - although a visit in person is much more impressive, it is worth taking a look here:
👉 https://www.maius.uj.edu.pl/web/uj/welcome

---

🍽️ What's around Collegium Maius

The Collegium Maius is located in the heart of Krakow, so the area abounds with attractions and amenities.

🥗 Where to eat?

You will find many recommended venues nearby:

• Café Camelot - the famous café on St Thomas Street,
  
• Chimera - restaurant with salads and vegetarian dishes,
  
• Thomas Milkbar - Great choice of breakfast and traditional dishes.
  

🏨 Where to stay overnight?

Within a 5-minute walk you will find:

• boutique hotels and flats on Jagiellońska Street,
  
• The Old Hotel, a luxury hotel overlooking the Market Square,
  
• numerous Airbnb flats.
  

🏛️ Other attractions in the area

• Main Market Square - 3 minutes,
  
• St Mary's Church - 5 minutes,
  
• Czartoryski Museum - 7 minutes.
  

---

🔍 Practical advice for visitors

⏳ How long does the tour last?

The visit usually takes 40 minutes to an hourdepending on the path chosen.

🎫 Do you need to book tickets?

No, reservation is not required, but in high season it is worth buying tickets online to avoid queues:
👉 https://bilety.uj.edu.pl

📸 Can photos be taken?

Yes, but the rules must be followed - no flash, question of handling at special exhibits.

🔇 Is it necessary to keep quiet?

The site has a museum and scientific character, so the silence is required, especially in groups.

👗 How to dress?

There is no special dress code, but it is advisable to dress comfortably - some of the halls may have a cooler temperature due to the historic construction.

---

🌐 Contact information and official sources

📞 Phone: 12 663 14 48
🌐 Website: https://www.maius.uj.edu.pl
📍 Google Maps: See location
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/museumUJ

---

🧭 Discover more attractions in Krakow

If the Collegium Maius has inspired you to explore Krakow further, be sure to visit:
👉 https://houseofattractions.club/ - #1 tourist attractions in Krakow
Fun, education and excitement for children, families, schools and anyone curious about the world -. right in the city centre!