Wondering whether it’s worth stepping off the Main Market Square to peek down Gołębia Street? Yes — Collegium Novum is more than a pretty façade. Built in the late 19th century as a reminder of the rebirth of Polish scholarship in Kraków, it houses important works of art and also bears witness to dramatic 20th‑century events. If you enjoy university history, architecture and atmospheric interiors with real stories behind them — you’ll find all of that in a compact space here. Plan to admire the façade, attend the entrance during open events, and combine your visit with other university landmarks nearby.
The most recognisable interior of Collegium Novum is the Aula — the representative hall where inaugurations, doctoral promotions and other academic ceremonies take place. Hanging in the Aula is a large, distinctive work by Jan Matejko, "The Astronomer Copernicus, or a Conversation with God", which draws the eye and gives the room a particular historical atmosphere.
Next to the Aula are the rector’s offices, dean’s offices and lecture rooms; the building still performs administrative functions for the Jagiellonian University, so many spaces are not open to the public. It’s worth paying attention to the details: neo‑Gothic decorative elements, stained glass windows and the carefully designed portal entrance on Gołębia Street.
One of the rooms contains a commemorative plaque and spaces connected with events from World War II — a reminder of the repressive action against the academic community on 6 November 1939. This fragment of the university’s history gives the place additional weight and invites reflection.
The Collegium Novum we see today was built in the second half of the 19th century — design and construction work lasted from 1873 to 1887. The architect was Feliks Księżarski; the building was designed in the spirit of neo‑Gothic to harmonise with the oldest parts of the university. The new structure replaced an older building called "Jeruzalem", which had burned down earlier.
The building was opened during the university’s jubilees and from the beginning served as a representative academic centre. Its administrative, ceremonial and teaching functions make it one of the must‑see points in the story of the Jagiellonian University. Architecture lovers should look closely at the façade details and interior solutions — neo‑Gothic articulation, rich portals and decorative elements that reference the long tradition of the Kraków university.
Collegium Novum is at 24 Gołębia Street, just a few minutes’ walk from the Main Market Square, so it’s easy to fit into your day. Remember, however, that most interiors are used for university purposes and are not always open to tourists. The most reliable way to see the Aula and interiors is to attend official university events, open days or special exhibitions organised by the university.
If you’d like to enter outside an event — ask at the university reception, check updates on the official Jagiellonian University site or arrange a private guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com, who can help organise access and provide historical context. Outside, it’s worth photographing the façade and viewing the building from the Planty to see it within the historic centre of Kraków.
Pay attention to conduct rules: this is an active academic centre, so avoid making noise during classes and ceremonies, respect the privacy of staff and students, and do not try to enter areas with clear access restrictions.
A short walk lets you visit several key places: Collegium Maius with the Jagiellonian University Museum, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the Main Market Square, as well as the Planty and nearby churches. Depending on how much time you have, head to Wawel as well — the route is very convenient and full of art and history.
Food and drink: after visiting you’ll easily find places to rest and have a good coffee. Long‑standing, recommended spots nearby include Camelot Cafe (ul. Św. Tomasza) — a cosy café close to the Market, Cafe Noworolski located in the Cloth Hall and Market Square restaurants such as Szara and Wierzynek if you want a higher‑end meal and to feel the city’s historic atmosphere. These places have established reputations and are often recommended by both locals and visitors.
If you plan a full day of sightseeing: consider booking lunch at one of the recommended restaurants or stopping for a short coffee break — it will help you rest and better absorb the historic context of the places you visit.
Collegium Novum was built as an expression of academic renewal — the new building was meant to reference the oldest parts of the university and emphasise the institution’s importance in Kraków’s cultural and scientific life. Its opening coincided with the university’s jubilee celebrations, which added to its special significance.
Matejko’s painting in the Aula was not created merely as a decorative element — such monumental works often carried strong social contexts and were acquired or displayed with the involvement of the local academic community. When you see the painting, remember it’s not just an ornament but also a symbol of a particular narrative about science and tradition.
The place also remembers painful 20th‑century events: reprisals against the academic community during World War II left a mark on the university and the building — it’s worth pausing there to recall history and pay respect to the victims.
Many visitors treat Collegium Novum like a typical museum — trying to enter every room and take photos without asking. The truth is this is a workplace: check whether an event is taking place, avoid entering during ceremonies and ask permission before photographing interiors that are not officially open.
Another mistake is treating the visit as just a quick stop. Collegium Novum is best appreciated when combined with a short story about the Jagiellonian University’s history and a visit to Collegium Maius — together they provide far more context and enjoyment. Don’t try to visit during major ceremonies without checking the schedule first.
Can I enter the Aula and see Matejko’s painting? — Often yes, but access is sometimes limited. The Aula is made available during ceremonies, open days or special university events. The most reliable way is to check the Jagiellonian University events calendar or contact event organisers.
Is Collegium Novum part of a UNESCO route? — Collegium Novum is located in Kraków’s historic centre, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building is part of that historic urban fabric.
How do I get there and how long from the Main Market Square? — You can walk from the Main Market Square in a few minutes; the route runs through the Old Town’s narrow streets and is very pleasant. You won’t need public transport unless you’re coming from a more distant part of Kraków.
Plan your visit so you can combine it with other academic and historic sites: Collegium Maius, the Jagiellonian Library, the Market and Wawel make natural companions for Collegium Novum. If you want to hear stories “first‑hand” and enter places tourists don’t usually see, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — experienced guides can arrange access to interiors and tell more than you’ll find in guidebooks.
If you enjoyed this article — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to tour with a guide: on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com you can find contact details for Małgorzata Kasprowicz — it’s worth writing to ask about available dates. Good sightseeing is not only about facts but also about stories — plan yours so it stays with you.
