The Collegium Maius, located in Kraków’s Old Town, is the oldest university building in Poland and a symbol of centuries-old academic tradition. Founded in 1364 by King Kazimierz the Great, it’s part of the prestigious Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest in Europe.
Famous Alumni: Nicolaus Copernicus
Among its most notable students is Nicolaus Copernicus, who studied here in the 1490s before changing the course of science with his heliocentric theory.
What to See at Collegium Maius?
The gothic courtyard is open daily and offers a peaceful retreat just steps from the busy Main Market Square. You can also visit the Jagiellonian University Museum located upstairs, which features:
- Historical university rooms with original furniture
- A collection of ancient scientific instruments
- Medieval and Renaissance art
- Rare globes, astrolabes, and early astronomical tools
The interiors provide a deep insight into the academic and intellectual life of medieval Europe.
Why Visit the Collegium Maius?
- Walk the halls where Copernicus once studied
- Discover centuries of academic and scientific history
- Admire gothic architecture and peaceful inner courtyard
- Explore rare and historic scientific instruments used by early scholars