Krakow - The Magical City
As the old capital of Poland, Krakow has a special place in the national consciousness. For the casual tourist this may not be vitally important or discernable, but this special role as the "spiritual" capital of Poland imbues Krakow with an added ambiance. The city is a vibrant university town that boasts the largest Medieval market square in Europe, plus exquisitely preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural monuments of the highest order. If you get bored of traditional sightseeing, the glorious architecture creates a great backdrop for just sipping a coffee or glass of beer in the outdoor cafes that line practically every street from April-Oct. And at night there are hundreds of bars to suit all tastes, many of them housed in atmospheric cellars. Browse, read and check things out!
Collegium Maius
landmarks, museums
cultural heritage
Contact details
Stare Miasto ul. Jagiellońska 15
+48124220549
collegiummaius.info@uj.edu.pl
www.maius.uj.edu.pl
Description
Collegium Maius (The Jagiellonian University)
This venerable building is the oldest surviving academic building in Krakow. The university was founded in 1364, but this building was begun in 1400 and redesigned at the end of the 15th century. The University courtyard is one of the most splendid public spaces in Krakow, with it's series of Gothic porticoes and picturesque staircase. This is where Nicolaus Copernicus studied in the 1490s and the historic building still has an air of scholarly contemplation. The building is not used for lectures anymore but instead houses the collections of the University Museum which can be visited as part of a guided tour.
Dennis McEvoy
Nearby
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