What do astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus and former Pope John Paul II have in common? They are the two most famous graduates of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. For centuries, knowledge has been preserved and passed on within the old walls. The Jagiellonian University is the oldest university in Poland. It was founded in 1364 by King Casimir the Great and is still one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country today.
The Collegium Maius itself is the oldest building of the university with a Gothic courtyard. Over the centuries, the university has been continuously expanded. In the mid-15th century, the Collegium Maius was given its present name. Just like the many cloisters, parts of the Collegium Maius are still in their original state. In the 19th century, the conversion to the neo-Gothic style took place. The Collegium Maius still retains its educational character today – as a museum.
Museum website: https://maius.uj.edu.pl/en_GB/godziny-otwarcia
Photo: Collegium Maius, Krakow, Poland. Photo: Unsplash/Mateus Campos Felipe.
