Photos: Original uploader was Jdziadkowiec at pl.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 Obbie, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Igor123121, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo credits
Photos: Original uploader was Jdziadkowiec at pl.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 Obbie, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Igor123121, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Collegium Maius: Europe's old university halls
Your local guide
Tomasz Wisniewski
View profile
Highlights
- Europe's oldest university buildings in use
- A Gothic courtyard, centuries of students
- Copernicus's connection, explained
- Old astronomical instruments, on display
- Academic history, held on camera
About this tour
This session looks at Collegium Maius, part of the Jagiellonian University and among the oldest university buildings still used for teaching in Europe. You see the Gothic courtyard first, then a display of old astronomical instruments tied to Copernicus's time as a student here. It is a close look at an institution with a genuinely long academic history.
We start in the courtyard with a short sound check, then move to the instrument display. I explain the university's history and Copernicus's connection to it as we go, taking questions throughout.
It suits anyone interested in academic or scientific history. It also pairs well with a session on the Market Square for a fuller day in the old town.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Krakow before heading out.
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Collegium Maius courtyard 21 min
The camera opens in the Gothic courtyard of Europe's oldest university buildings still in academic use, and I explain how the arcades have hosted students since the fifteenth century.
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Astronomical instrument display 21 min
We move to a window displaying an old astronomical instrument, and I explain Copernicus's connection to the university as a former student here.
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Your questions 9 min
Time to ask anything about Krakow: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 4 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Kielbasa and Kazimierz, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Warsaw time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 8 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Krakow, showing you Collegium Maius courtyard and Astronomical instrument display live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Krakow live with my phone.
Times shown in Warsaw time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Tue 27 Oct · 8 seats left From 21,00 €
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