Collegium Novum is one of the most recognizable neo-Gothic buildings of the Jagiellonian University at 24 Gołębia Street. From the outside it impresses with its monumental red façade; inside it houses the representative Aula decorated with coats of arms and portraits of professors. Keep in mind, however, that access to interiors is sometimes limited: the building serves administrative and academic functions, so visiting the Aula or lecture rooms is often possible only during events, open days or prearranged guided visits. If you plan to go inside, arrange your visit in advance.
1. Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — the city’s heart; don’t miss the evening illumination and the handicraft stalls.
2. St. Mary’s Basilica — the bugle call from the tower and the Gothic interior are a must; note there can be limits on tower access in high season.
3. Wawel (outside and the royal chambers) — the castle and cathedral; buy tickets in advance because it’s very popular.
4. University District with Collegium Novum and Collegium Maius — academic Kraków in a few steps.
5. Kazimierz — atmospheric cafés, synagogues and markets; ideal for an evening walk.
6. Rynek Underground — a modern exhibition about the city’s history (book tickets ahead).
7. Kościuszko Mound or Wanda Mound — city panoramas and a short nature break.
8. Art and history museums — National Museum, MOCAK and many smaller specialty museums; check opening hours.
9. Walk the Vistula boulevards and take a Vistula river cruise — a different perspective on the monuments.
10. Tyniec and the Benedictine abbey — a trip outside the city if you have more time.
The address is Gołębia 24, so the building sits right next to the Planty park and is just a few minutes’ walk from the Main Market Square. The façade and the Aula are the main reasons visitors search out this spot, but remember it is still a university building: rector’s offices, dean’s offices and lecture halls operate there every day.
The Aula contains important paintings and portraits and its decoration refers to long academic traditions. In the room marked 56 there is a memorial to the dramatic events of 6 November 1939, when lecturers were arrested during Sonderaktion Krakau — this place carries strong commemorative value.
If you want to look into the Aula or see interiors, check the Jagiellonian University events calendar, look for university open days or ask about guided visits organized in advance. Don’t assume interiors will be open for casual walk-ins.
Kraków has many small, specialized museums run by university departments. For example, the Museum of the Department and Chair of Anatomy at the Jagiellonian University Medical College operates on a regular schedule: visits usually take place on weekdays, individual entrances are often at set times, and tickets are bought at the department office.
Be aware that some academic museums have age restrictions (for example they may admit visitors only from age 16), prohibit photography of exhibits and require prior telephone reservation for groups. Ticket prices for these units are often symbolic — regular and reduced tickets have traditionally been in a low price range, but always check current fees before you go.
If you are interested in a particular, less standard museum — call or email ahead; this saves time and disappointment.
The best practice is to buy tickets online or reserve places in advance, especially during the tourist season. For small academic museums you will often need to buy tickets on site at the relevant office or reserve a time by phone.
Check opening hours and special closed days — many institutions close on holidays or observe university days off. Pay attention to announcements about special days and closures, especially if you plan a visit on a specific date.
If you plan several paid visits, compare the value of city passes or combined tickets — sometimes they save money, but not all museums participate in tourist cards.
Can I visit Collegium Novum without a guide? - Often interiors are only available during events or guided tours, so independent entry to representative rooms is not always possible.
Are photography bans common in academic museums? - Yes, many such exhibitions prohibit photography, especially anatomical collections and specimens.
Where do I buy a ticket to the Anatomy Museum? - For museums of this type tickets are usually purchased directly at the department office, and individual entries may be scheduled at specific times (for example 9:00, 11:00 and 13:00).
Do museums have age restrictions? - Some, especially those with anatomical or medical displays, admit visitors only from age 16.
How can I avoid crowds? - Visit early in the morning on weekdays outside the high season or book visits outside peak tourist hours.
Kraków offers a wide selection of well-rated places to eat; in the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find artistic cafés and restaurants serving traditional Polish dishes as well as modern interpretations of regional cuisine. For atmospheric cafés near the Market Square consider places with consistently high reviews such as Café Camelot or Charlotte, and in Kazimierz try Mleczarnia for an intimate evening drink. For hearty local meals near Wawel you might look at restaurants like Pod Wawelem.
If you want to stay within walking distance of attractions and short strolls, look for accommodation in the Old Town or the University District. Book ahead in summer and around holidays, because well-reviewed rooms fill up fast.
Assuming that all monuments are open all day — many museums have fixed hours and closed days; check before you go.
Failing to reserve for specific attractions — this applies to both university interiors and smaller museums; a phone call or email can save your day.
Confusing the access rules for university buildings with those of standard museums — university rooms are often used for teaching and administration, so access depends on the academic calendar.
The interiors of Collegium Novum preserve memorabilia and paintings of important academic figures; a painting by Jan Matejko connected with Copernicus is one of the Aula’s attractions. Room 56 commemorates the tragic events of 1939 and is important for the university’s memory.
Many small university museums began as teaching collections and only later became tourist attractions — for that reason their visiting rules differ from standard city museums.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help them plan a better visit to Kraków. If you prefer a personalized tour, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz - a private guide specializing in Kraków tours; details are available on the guide’s website. Wishing you enjoyable walks in Kraków and many fascinating discoveries!
