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25.05.2015 Collegium Maius, the oldest building of the Krakow Academy (today - the Jagiellonian University), is a place where you can find real treasures. For example, in 1493, during the redevelopment that gave the college today's shape, 95 gold rings, 15 necklaces, a gold chain with sapphires, rubies and pearls, a gold bar and 2480 gold coins were found there. Nicolaus Copernicus might have been present at this event, who was studying at the University of Krakow at that time. Collegium Maius was not established simultaneously with the Krakow Academy founded in 1364. by Casimir the Great. The first lectures could take place on the Wawel Hill or in Kazimierz, a town just outside Krakow. It was only financial help and care of Queen Jadwiga and King Władysław Jagiełło that accelerated the development of the university and the construction of colleges in the city itself. It was Jagiełło who bought the building at the intersection of today's Św. Anna and Jagiellońska (100 m from the Market Square) and intended it mainly for professors of theology. Due to its large size and important function, this building was named Collegium Maius, i.e. the College of Greater. The impressive brick building with a picturesque courtyard was not only a workplace for the professors, but also a home. The first and second floor were divided into a small but rather comfortable apartment, besides the first floor there was: a common room, a large lecture hall and a library. Meetings with students took place in the so-called lectures on the ground floor. In several of these lecture halls, seventeenth-century drawings to illustrate mathematical and physical issues have survived to this day. The building adjoined the garden separating the College from the Minor (Minus) and from the dorms where the students lived. Currently, Collegium Maius houses a small but very interesting museum that tells the story of the Jagiellonian University. The entrance to it leads through a decorative Golden Gate, and the interiors surprise with rich furnishings, which probably no other building in Krakow has. Attention is particularly drawn to wooden ceilings and benches in the assembly hall, which is still used today, e.g. during the honorary doctorate or postdoctoral conferences. What's more, small rooms filled with thousands of different objects can create a feeling of lame, where you can find out fascinating ancient treasures. For example, among the teaching aids is a globe from the very beginning of the 16th century, on which newly discovered America was already marked. Among the chemical instruments is the apparatus that was used by Karol Olszewski and Zygmunt Wróblewski for the first liquefaction of oxygen and nitrogen in the world. There are also souvenirs of kings, including silver rector's scepter from the gift of Queen Jadwiga, the cup offered by Aleksander Jagiellończyk and chocolate not eaten by Stanisław August Poniatowski. Visiting the museum is diversified by a clock with a chime, which every two hours (i.e. at 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17) plays the song of students "Gaudeamus igitur" and a characteristic melody from the 16th century. then six figures representing figures important in the history of the university. The procession is led by a university janitor with crossed scepters, i.e. the symbol of the universe, followed by Queen Jadwiga, Jagiełło, Jan Kanty (a holy professor of theology), Hugo Kołłątaj, who was rector here for four years, and the first rector of the academy - Stanisław of Skalbmierz. The clock, although it does not come from ancient times, is a popular attraction of Krakow. Collegium Maius is a place that uplifts: it reminds of the glory days of Krakow and the eminent characters of its benefactors, outstanding scientists and talented students. It pleases the eyes with the aesthetic shape of the building and beautiful equipment. Definitely, after the Wawel cathedral and St. Mary's Church, it is one of the greatest treasures of Krakow.