Collegium Maius is tucked away in the narrow streets just a few minutes from the Main Square.

It might not catch your eye from the outside, but do make sure to walk through the unassuming gate into the courtyard. It’s one of the most beautiful Gothic spots in Kraków, and what’s more, entry is free.

In our view, the courtyard is a must-see for anyone walking through the Old Town. We recommend the paid museum mainly to those interested in the history of the university, the period interiors or the scientific instruments.

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Is the courtyard enough, or should you visit the museum as well?

If you don’t fancy another museum, feel free to just stay in the courtyard. It is here that you’ll see the most photogenic part of Collegium Maius, with its Gothic arcades, ornate well and the so-called Professors’ Staircase.

Allow around 15 to 20 minutes for the courtyard. It’s best to time your visit to coincide with the university astronomical clock’s display.

It’s worth buying a ticket to the museum if you’re interested in the historic university halls, the library, the treasury, the old globes or the collection of scientific instruments. Allow around 45 to 60 minutes for the tour.

Due to ongoing renovation work, the Jagiellonian Hall and the original Copernicus Room are currently closed. Some of the exhibits dedicated to Nicolaus Copernicus have been moved to the globe hall. The Professors’ Garden also remains closed until further notice.

The University Astronomical Clock

In the courtyard, look out for the clock, which opens several times a day, accompanied by a short procession of wooden figures.

They depict figures associated with the university, such as Queen Hedwig, King Władysław II Jagiellon and the reformer Hugo Kołłątaj.

The performance is accompanied by historical court music and the student anthem ‘Gaudeamus Igitur’. The whole spectacle is brief, so it’s not worth rearranging your entire day’s schedule for it. However, if you’re in the vicinity, it’s worth timing your visit just right.

TheUniversity Astronomical Clock chimes every day:

• 9.00
• 11:00
• 1.00 pm
• 3.00 pm
• 5.00 pm

Viewing the astronomical clock from the courtyard is free. Just arrive a few minutes early.

The oldest university building in Poland

Jagiellonian University was founded in 1364 by King Casimir III the Great and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Among its most famous students was the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.

The history of the Collegium Maius itself began around 1400, when the university acquired its first building on the corner of Jagiellońska and św. Anny Streets.

During the 15th century, it gradually acquired neighbouring houses, and following fires in 1462 and 1492, the individual buildings were connected around a shared arcaded courtyard.

Its present appearance is therefore not an entirely unaltered remnant of the Middle Ages. The building underwent a significant Neo-Gothic reconstruction in the 19th century and further major restoration work between 1949 and 1964. Nevertheless, it remains the oldest surviving university building in Poland.

What you’ll see in the museum

The tour route takes you through several historic rooms of the Collegium Maius. The scope varies depending on whether you choose an individual or an extended guided tour.

Among the most interesting areas are:

• The Libraria, or historic university library
• Stuba Communis, which served as the professors’ social hall
• The university treasury
• The Hall of Historic Globes
• The gallery of medieval sculptures
• Collection of astronomical, physical and chemical instruments on the extended tour

Admission

The courtyard itself is free to enter. Admission to the museum galleries is charged according to the type of tour selected.

• Self-guided tour 17 pln
• Discounted self-guided tour 10 pln
• Guided tour 26 pln
• Guided tour with a discount 14 pln
• Free self-guided tour on Wednesdays from 1.30 pm

You can buy tickets at the ticket office or via the official booking website. The free Wednesday tour has limited capacity, so please collect or book a ticket for this as well.

Opening hours

The Collegium Maius courtyard is open daily from 9.00 to 18.00.

Self-guided tours of the museum are available at the following times:

• Monday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, last admission at 4.30 pm
• Tuesday to Friday from 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm, last admission at 4.30 pm
• Wednesday from 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm (free admission)
• Saturday from 10.00 to 16.00, last admission at 15.30
• Sunday: closed

Guided tours are currently available mainly in English and Polish:

• Tuesday to Thursday at 9.00 and 10.30 in English
• Tuesday to Thursday at 9.45 am and 11.15 am in Polish
• Fridays at 9.00 and 10.30 in English
• Fridays at 9.45 am in Polish
• Extended tour of the scientific collections from Tuesday to Friday at 12.30 in English
• Extended tour of the scientific collections on Friday at 11.15 in Polish

Due to university events and ongoing renovation work, the route and times are subject to change. Please check the museum’s website for the latest information before your visit.

How to get to Collegium Maius

Collegium Maius is situated in the pedestrianised part of the Old Town. It is approximately a 4-minute walk from Rynek Główny and around a 20-minute walk from Kraków Główny main station.

The nearest public transport stops are:

• Filharmonia, about 450 metres and a 6-minute walk, trams 1, 8, 20 and 70
• UJ / AST, about 550 metres and a 7-minute walk, tram lines 8 and 20

You can find information on tickets and getting around the city in the section on Transport in Kraków.

Accommodation near Collegium Maius

The area around Collegium Maius is one of the best places to stay on your first visit to Kraków.

Rynek is just a few minutes’ walk away, and you can also reach Wawel or most of the streets in the Old Town without using public transport.

However, bear in mind that prices are higher and access by car is more difficult. If you want to save money, look for hotels on the outer edge of Planty Park.

• Hotel Wentzl: a historic hotel right on the Rynek, about a 5-minute walk from Collegium Maius
• Hotel Logos Kraków – a more affordable hotel on a quieter street, about an 8-minute walk away
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You can find a comparison of different areas and tips on other hotels in the ‘Accommodation in Kraków’ section.

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