Six days of study tour in Krakow gives me the
feeling of traveling back to late Middle Ages in Poland. The well-preserved
historical sites showed Krakow a truly historic city. As one of the only Polish
cities not to be destroyed by the Nazis during the Second World War, Krakow
still retains much of its charm and character from hundreds of years ago. The
city just has that great historic feeling that is hard to describe, and in
Krakow there lies great glimpses of history at every turn.
The Wawel Castle, a Gothic castle built in the
14th century. From the 14th century through to World War II, from a glory royal
palace to Nazi headquarters, the castle witnessed the important historical
moments.
The Old Market Square dates back to the 13th
century and is the largest medieval town square in Europe. From the ancient
trade to tourist sightseeing now, the market is the pillar of city’s prosperity
The Jewish Quarter, built in the 15th
century and over the centuries remained an important Jewish landmark in Poland.
This place suffered a lot during the World War II, but it’s still stand today
showing a very authentic atmosphere of what it was like during the war.
And as a
student, the most impressive place for me is The Jagiellonian University. The oldest college of the Polish was rebuilt by the
end of the 15th century as a splendid late-Gothic edifice around a vast
courtyard with surrounding arcades and a well of 1517 in the center. In the
university, there is a hidden gem, Collegium Maius, the oldest building of the
university now become a museum. It’s like a time
capsule brought me to the past that how importance of this place in advancing the
education in Poland. 500 years ago the professors not only worked but also
lived within the walls of the University. We were taken through stately rooms,
rooms that are still used today for special occasions, and some private rooms
where the professors lived. Hundreds of portraits of professors and benefactors
looked upon us from the walls while we walked around admiring the furniture and
the precious objects and instruments, all presented in a pleasing way, and with
bilingual labels.
Then another
door swung open leading to a series of smaller rooms with the university’s
collection of scientific instruments, one subject per room: physics, geography,
chemistry, alchemy, astronomy, optics and many others. Ancient instruments are
certainly also works of art. Through those old scientific instruments, I can
picture how students there strive to explore and to make breakthrough in any of
these field. Like Copernicus, the star student of this school, I think his
study in Jagiellonian University played an important role in his
development of critical theories. Several alumni also have donated rewards to the school that has
been so important in their education including the Nobel Prize, Olympic Gold
Medal, as well as an Oscar Award winner. Those prizes become part of the honor
of the university itself.
Those places remained
their own historical glory, and now those also become a part of my memories.
Any tour will
come to an end, as long as the memory will be there forever.
The Jagiellonian University
The Entrance of Collegium Maius
Lecture Hall
Astrology Instruments
One of professors' room in 17th century
Auditorium
A Glimpse of Jewish Quarter
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