The Great College of Krakow's
Jagiellonian University.
The 640-year-old Jagiellonian University
moved in to the building at the corner of the
Jagiellonska and Sw. Anny streets in 1400, when
King Vladislav II Jagiello bought the house with
funds his late wife, queen-saint Jadwiga, had
earmarked for the renewal of Krakow’s alma
mater. Thus the Grand College, or Collegium Maius, was
born.
The
long and grand history of Krakow's Collegium Maius.
The
oldest college of the Polish oldest and best
university, was rebuilt by the end of the 15th
century as a splendid late-Gothic edifice around
a vast courtyard with surrounding arcades and a
well of 1517 in the center. Professors lived and
worked upstairs, while lecturing downstairs. In
the 1490s they had Copernicus among their
students, and the astronomer that revolutionized
entire European science remains the most
illustrious of Krakow university’s graduates
together with Pope John Paul II.
Over centuries a
whole university quarter has arisen around the
Collegium Maius, while the old college became
first the university library and then the
university museum rich in unrivaled exhibits.
Visiting
the Collegium Maius.
The beautiful college courtyard
is accessible free of charge daylong plus on odd evenings when it
provides picturesque background for open-air
theater or musical events. At 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
the courtyard clock performs little show with wooden figures of
kings and famous professors parading to solemn music.
The
Museum of the Jagiellonian University in the Collegium Maius
shows upstairs its splendid historic rooms with original
furnishings, good collection of the old European art, unique
science instruments, and varied memorabilia. The opening hours are from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays, to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
and to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Admittance for individual
visitors is free of charge on Tuesdays, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. It's always advisable to book tickets
to the university museum in advance via phone at (+48) 126631307.
Downstairs
the museum of the Collegium Maius organizes frequent temporary
exhibitions. Plus there is a permanent educational show, 'The
World of Senses', that demonstrates human powers of
perception and misperception, open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
There
is a gift
shop
and a cellar cafe
on the premises.
Wawel Royal Castle
Home to three dynasties of Poland's
monarchs. Its stately halls and exquisite
chambers are filled with priceless art, best
period furniture and rare ancient objects. The
collection of the 16th-century monumental Flemish
tapestries is
matchless.
Wawel Cathedral
Poland's impressive national shrine
shelters plenty of superb church art. Its giant bell of 1520
ranks with the world's largest. Most Polish kings
and their family members are buried in the
cathedral, its chapels and crypts.
Grand Square
Krakow’s central Grand Square (Rynek
Glowny), the largest plaza of medieval Europe and
one of the world’s finest with its spectacular
landmarks, has remained the hub of the city since
the 13th century.
Basilica of the
Virgin Mary's
The immense Gothic church, Krakow's
principal temple since the 13th century, shelters
the world's greatest
Gothic sculpture among its many excellent
works of art
Cloth Hall
The world's oldest shopping mall has
been in business for 700 years. The present
Renaissance edifice dates from 1555.
Town Hall Tower
Krakow's leaning tower was built by the
end of the 13th century.
City Walls
700-year-old main city gate with
adjoining mighty walls and towers.
Great Barbican
Awesome 500-year-old unmatched
masterpiece of medieval military engineering
Planty Garden Ring
Park of 30 varied gardens among old
trees round Krakow's Old Town historical district
Krakow mummies
Picturesque 17th-century church and
monastery shelter numerous naturally mummified
bodies in their crypts.
Kanonicza Street
The most beautiful of Europe's ancient streets,arguably.
Old
Synagogue of Kazimierz
The grandest of Krakow's seven historic synagogues.
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