KrakowInformer.com

Jagiellonian University's Collegium Maius

The Jagiellonian University has a long history, and the Collegium Maius remembers a large part of it. The arcaded, Gothic courtyard is a true marvel, and the Museum inside contains a few priceless exhibits.

Collegium Maius – an answer to Jagiellonian University's office space problems

After the death of Casimir the Great, the founder of the Krakow University in 1370, there was little choice of where to deliver lectures. Near the end of the 14^th century king Wladyslaw Jagiello decided to do something about it, and donated a building on what is now Jagiellonska street to the university. From then on the Jagiellonian University (then known as the Krakow Academy) developed quickly and soon became one of the most important ones in Central Europe. This, of course, meant more and more students, and the university took over some of the neighbouring buildings. In the end of the 15^th century all the buildings were linked and a courtyard was added. The entire construction is what we now know as the Collegium Maius.

A mid-19^th century Neogothic reconstruction changed the look of the Collegium Maius, and transformed it into a library. After the University Library was moved in 1940, the Neogothic additions were shed and the building regained its original, Gothic splendor.

Collegium Maius – a Museum and Conference Centre

The Collegium Maius now serves as the museum of the Jagiellonian University, the seat of the University's Senate and a conference center. Also, the most important of the University's guests are greeted in the Collegium Maius. Over the years it was visited by the Japanese emperor and his wife, Margaret Thatcher and Pope John Paul II among others.

The Museum of the Jagiellonian University is a chance to see inside the life of a medieval academic community. The exhibits - medieval scientific instruments, globes, furniture, paintings, coins and medals – are shown in rooms that are still marked by their original functions. They include the lecture halls, the Stuba Communis (a common room for the professors), and a library.

The most valuable exhibits are shown in the vault of the Collegium Maius. Among them are the rectors' insignia: chains, rings and beautiful maces. The highlights are certainly the Jagiellonian Globe, dating back to the beginning of the 16^th century (supposedly the first one in the world to feature the the name of America) and the only preserved drawing by Veit Stoss, the author of the altarpiece in St. Mary's Church, showing the design of another altarpiece, meant for the cathedral in Nuremberg. The vault of the Collegium Maius also contains various exhibits donated by Andrzej Wajda, including the honorary Academy Award he received in the year 2000.

Another interesting room is the one dedicated to Nicolaus Copernicus, who studied in Krakow at the Jagiellonian University in the 1490s. Apart from the astronomer's tools it contains a priceless Arabian astrolabe, made in Cordoba in 1054.

The Museum of the Jagiellonian University is usually open until 2 p.m., so it's much better to go there in the morning. After visiting the interiors of the Collegium Maius, you can rest for a while in the cafe in the cool shade of the enchanting Gothic courtyard.