The Collegium Maius courtyard is more than a piece of Kraków’s history — it’s where medieval architecture meets everyday city life. The stone courtyard, Gothic portals and the historic clock make an excellent backdrop for family photos, and the peaceful atmosphere invites you to linger over details. A private visit gives you flexibility in timing, better alignment with the golden hour and greater comfort for families, especially with young children.
Having a private guide also brings the benefit of historical context told in a friendly way — children usually respond better to short, curious stories than to long lectures. That makes the walk both informative and enjoyable.
The golden hour — just after sunrise and just before sunset — provides warm, soft light that emphasizes the texture of the stone and creates flattering family portraits. The Collegium Maius courtyard responds beautifully to that light — brick tones and architectural details gain depth while shadows remain gentle.
If you can’t come for the golden hour, consider late morning on an overcast day: the light is even and you’ll avoid harsh contrasts on children’s faces. Night shots during the blue hour (just after sunset) can also be impressive if you plan compositions that include the courtyard’s illuminated clock.
The Collegium Maius courtyard is open to visitors at set times and there are often limits on the number of people allowed in at once. In practice, this means that during busy periods it’s better to reserve a visit in advance or choose a less popular hour.
During special events, concerts or university closures access may be restricted. When planning a private visit, check current opening hours and any reservation requirements. If you plan a professional shoot (large tripod, heavy equipment or props), contact the site staff — a special permit may be required.
Arrive early to secure good spots and help children get comfortable with the space. Short play-based scenarios (walking a marked path, simple activities) help hold the youngest children’s attention and yield natural, joyful shots.
Bring simple props: a small blanket, a favorite toy or a bright scarf — these help with composition and focus children’s gaze. Also wear comfortable shoes — stone surfaces can be uneven.
If you plan to use a tripod, check the site rules in advance. Small travel tripods are sometimes acceptable, but large professional setups may need permission. Prepare quick camera settings — changing light during the golden hour requires fast adjustments.
The Collegium Maius courtyard is close to the Main Market Square, so it’s easy to combine a visit with a short walk around the Old Town or a coffee break. Planning short stops for ice cream or coffee helps children enjoy the outing and gives parents a rest between shots.
If you want to extend the photo walk, consider visiting the nearby Professors’ Garden — a green oasis with a different look, great for natural family portraits. A well-planned route reduces fatigue and provides a variety of frames.
After the session, stop at family-friendly cafés and restaurants around the Old Town where you can relax and enjoy a good meal. Choose places with child-friendly menus and quick service to make the break pleasant for everyone.
If you want dessert or a quality coffee, pick a well-reviewed café known for consistent quality — it’s a nice way to unwind after shooting and to look through your pictures together. Reserving a table at popular spots can be helpful on weekends.
Collegium Maius is the oldest university building in Poland, and the courtyard has a clock with a procession of historical figures — a small detail children often love. Telling a short anecdote about the university’s past brings the place to life.
In the Professors’ Garden there are plants with traditions going back centuries; historically the garden partly supplied vegetables and fruit to the academic tables. Stories like this help children connect with the space and give your photos extra context.
Attempting a large, paid commercial shoot without prior contact with site administration is a common mistake. Make sure you know the rules for equipment use and any possible fees — that will save stress on the day of the session.
Being unprepared for changing light — many amateurs don’t check the weather forecast or prepare camera settings. In practice, have ready settings for quick exposure changes and spare batteries. A backup plan for windy or overcast days is always useful.
Can I enter the courtyard with a stroller? Many visitors use strollers, but remember the uneven surfaces and narrow passages — a helper makes moving around easier.
Do I need a ticket to enter the courtyard? Rules can be seasonal — sometimes access is organized in timed groups and there are limits on visitor numbers. Check current ticketing and reservation information before you arrive.
Can I take commercial photos? Commercial sessions may require permission. If you plan to use photos for advertising, contact the site administration to obtain the necessary consent.
If you want a stress-free visit and photo session, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a guide who knows the best spots, the right timing and the frames that work well for families. This gives you a personalized plan, timing aligned with the golden hour and practical support with arrangements.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — recommendations are the best way to help others plan a family photo session in Kraków. We invite you to get in touch and to visit the guide’s site for details of the offer and a contact form.
