The JU Guesthouse consists of two parts: a historic house dating back to the 15th century and a recently reconstructed annexe.
The Jagiellonian University is pleased to present the Floriańska Guesthouse – a cosy building in the very heart of Kraków, in close proximity to the historic city walls, Floriańska Gate, and Barbican.
The earliest mentions of the building come from the 14th century, when it was owned by Matias Palior, and Floriańska Street was known as ‘platea S.Floriami’. An austere gothic stone portal preserved in the basement dates back to this period. As time passed the building changed owners, and its architectural style also evolved. Finally, the house became the property of the Jagiellonian University, thanks to whose efforts the façade was fitted with an impressive geometric sgraffito decoration, topped with the JU coat of arms authored by Ludwik Wojtyczko. This technique of wall painting, already known in the antiquity, became especially popular in the Renaissance period. Today, the distinctive black and white front of the Guesthouse still catches the attention of numerous passers-by walking along the historic Royal Road, of which Floriańska Street is part.
Since 1993, Floriańska 49 has been the location of the cosy and peaceful JU Guesthouse, which has accommodated a number of prominent guests from the world of academia, culture, and politics, including Thomas Venclova, Josif Brodski, Miriam Akavia, Władysław Bartoszewski, Simon Wiesenthal, Tadeusz Mazowiecki, Radosław Sikorski, Leon Tarasiewicz, Kazimierz Kutz, Marek Kondrat, Daniel Olbrychski, Jerzy Radziwiłowicz, Bogusław Linda, Mirosław Baka, or Katarzyna Figura. They all appreciated the peace and quiet of the place, despite its location in the heart of the crowdy Kraków Old Town, as well the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The history of the Floriańska Guesthouse is still being written and you are welcome to become part of it.