Jagiellonian University

Founded in 1364, Jagiellonian University is the second oldest university in Central Europe. While it has survived to celebrate its 650th jubilee in 2014, its history has been turbulent. After briefly collapsing in 1370, it was revived in 1400, and in the early 16th century, it enjoyed a golden age in the midst of the Polish Renaissance. However, the prestige of the university eventually declined as Poland’s position in Europe got worse and the country was partitioned multiple times. After nearly closing in the 19th century, the university then hosted major scientific achievements. It was then targeted by the Nazis, who sent dozens of faculty members to concentration camps and destroyed university libraries and laboratories. Jagiellonian continued to suffer under Communism, and it wasn't until Poland’s Communist government was overthrown that the university once again began to flourish. Today it is considered one of the top universities in all of Europe.
Most notable for visitors to the university is the Collegium Maius building, home to the Jagiellonian University Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of old scientific instruments, university memorabilia and a portrait gallery of professors.

Practical Info

The headquarters of Jagiellonian University are in the Collegium Novum building at 24 Golebia Street near Planty Park. The Collegium Maius building is nearby at 15 Jagiellonska Street and is generally open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.