Collegium Maius is one of the oldest and most distinctive buildings in Kraków - the heart of the historic Jagiellonian University. It housed the academic community for centuries, and a young Nicolaus Copernicus studied here. The courtyard with its arcades already makes a huge impression and is a perfect place to begin a shared tour with friends.
Inside you will find historic halls, a collection of old scientific instruments, globes and memorabilia connected with the university's history. For many visitors the most charming attractions are the small, playful details - a clock with moving figures or stories about famous people linked to the place.
If you plan a trip on a summer day, Collegium Maius is an excellent starting point: it sits right by the Old Town, so the next stops on the route will be close and easily reached on foot.
Start: Collegium Maius (Jagiellońska Street). Spend 30–60 minutes exploring the courtyard, museum rooms and taking photos.
Short walks (5–10 minutes each): Gołębia Street (Copernicus monument and other historic university buildings) → St. Anne's Church (beautiful Baroque interior) → Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church).
If you have more time: add the Planty Park and a stroll toward Wawel, or stop for coffee and cake in one of the nearby cafés. The route is flexible - easy to adjust to the group's pace and the weather.
The courtyard with arcades and a fountain - a great spot for group photos and short stories about the building's history.
The professor's study, former lecture halls and the collection of astronomical instruments - in these rooms you can feel the atmosphere of the medieval and Renaissance academy. Collections often include globes, sky-observing instruments and medical relics from past centuries.
Small curiosities to look out for: the clock or mechanical elements, sculptural and coat-of-arms details, and architectural fragments brought here from other historic city sites. These are often the elements that fascinate visitors the most.
Check current opening hours and entry rules - details can change, so it’s worth confirming them before you go. Tickets are usually available at the museum ticket office or online on the Jagiellonian University website.
A typical visit lasts from 30 minutes to about an hour, but if you enjoy studying exhibits in detail, plan for more time. On a summer trip it’s a good idea to start in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Photography is usually allowed without flash, but staff may set restrictions for particular exhibits - it’s best to ask. Visitors with limited mobility should check availability of facilities in advance.
Around Collegium Maius you’ll find plenty of places recommended by visitors - to soak in the Old Town atmosphere check cafés and bistros on Św. Tomasza Street and around the Main Market Square. Popular, well-regarded spots include Cafe Camelot - a cosy, atmospheric café, and Milkbar Tomasza for classic Polish dishes at friendly prices.
If you prefer something more formal, there are fine-dining restaurants nearby as well as several trendy places serving international cuisine. Choose venues with good reviews and book a table on weekends.
Tip: on a hot day look for shaded terraces or outdoor seating - Kraków’s summer afternoons are perfect for sitting in café gardens.
If you plan to stay overnight in the centre, pick hotels or guesthouses near the Main Market Square or Jagiellońska Street - this makes walking around easy and gives quick access to Collegium Maius. Well-rated options range from boutique luxury hotels to comfortable apartments in historic buildings.
For groups of friends, studio apartments are convenient - they usually offer more privacy and the option to prepare breakfast before another day of sightseeing. When booking, check recent guest reviews and the location relative to the attractions you want to visit.
If you are travelling by car - remember the centre has paid parking zones, so plan parking in advance.
Collegium Maius hides many small details that aren’t always obvious to visitors - from architectural fragments to memorabilia connected with old lectures. Some exhibits have short, local legends that guides enjoy sharing during tours.
The layout of the 'university quarter' attracts people interested in the history of science: walking the streets around Collegium Maius reveals other colleges and university buildings that create the academic atmosphere of this part of the city.
Small façade details and coats of arms tell stories about medieval politics and the university’s patrons - keep an eye out for these elements, because they reveal Kraków’s history in an interesting, unexpected way.
Not checking opening hours - a simple thing that can ruin plans. Always check official information before you set out.
Overpacked itinerary - it’s easy to schedule too many sights in one day. Allow time for breaks, coffee and spontaneous discoveries. Kraków is best explored at a relaxed pace.
Ignoring the weather and unsuitable footwear - the Old Town has a lot of cobblestones and stairs. Choose comfortable shoes and layered clothing, especially in summer evenings when temperatures can change.
How long does a visit to Collegium Maius take? - Usually from 30 minutes to 1 hour; if you enjoy the exhibits, plan for more time.
Do you need to book tickets in advance? - For smaller groups it’s usually not necessary, but for larger groups check the option to reserve or buy tickets online.
Can I take photos? - Generally yes, without flash; there may be restrictions for special exhibits.
If you liked this route and are looking for a more personalized tour with stories and anecdotes, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz - a private guide whose offerings and contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Let an experienced local show you the city through the eyes of someone who knows it well.
If this article was helpful - share it with friends or on social media. Sharing helps plan group trips and creates unforgettable summer memories!
Good luck discovering Kraków with friends - may every walk be full of interesting details and great coffee.
