Aula Leopoldina - How To Visit In Wroclaw (2026 Guide)!

⋆˙⟡♡︎ This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Thanks for your support ⋆˙⟡♡︎

No visit to Wroclaw would be complete without a visit to the spectacular Aula Leopoldina.

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Baroque rooms in the entire world, this staggering hall of ceremonies looks like it belongs in a grand Imperial palace.

It forms part of the renowned University of Wroclaw. But, you’ll be glad to know that you can visit this place even if you aren’t a student as it’s part of a museum today.

Honestly, this regal space took my breath away and I felt like a princess in a fairytale the entire time I was there.

During your tour, you can also enter the equally stunning Oratorium Marianum, historical exhibitions and Mathematical Tower which provides panoramic views over the city.

Here is a complete guide for visiting Aula Leopoldina in Wroclaw with some important tips thrown in for your visit.

Aula Leopoldina is currently going through a series of important renovation works and opening times may be limited. Always double-check the website to avoid disappointment.

Table of Contents

What is Aula Leopoldina?

Aula Leopoldina is a ceremonies hall located within the prestigious Wroclaw University which was founded in 1702.

It was named in honour of its founder, Emperor Leopold I of the Habsburg Empire.

The hall was designed by Christophorus Tausch who was a pupil of the famous Italian architect and painter, Andrea Pozza.

It’s a dazzling mix of stuccowork, statues and regal portraits and the colourful frescoes were expertly painted by Johann Christoph Handke.

It has had many renovations made to it over time, the first being in 1788 after the Silesian Wars.

The university carries out conservation works each year and they have invested millions in renovations.

Today, it is a marvel of Baroque architecture and somewhere you simply cannot miss in Poland!

Can you visit the Aula Leopoldina today?

Yes, you’ll be happy to know that these days the Aula Leopoldina is open to the public.

It’s located inside Wroclaw University Museum so you can visit this gorgeous room even if you aren’t a student.

The museum is open throughout the year from 10 am – 6 pm in summer and 4/5 pm in winter depending on the month.

At the time of writing, there are several bands of tickets depending on how many halls (sales) you would like to see at the university.

You have to see a minimum of two halls. So, if you’re on a budget, I’d recommend the Aula Leopoldina and the Oratorium Marianum. This costs 16 PLN (approx. £3.20).

If you don’t mind paying a little extra, I would recommend visiting all four halls for 20 PLN (£4).

There isn’t much difference in the price and this ticket also includes the exhibition halls and the Mathematical Tower which has a rooftop with beautiful views over the city.

Wroclaw University Museum is always closed on a Wednesday and both the Aula Leopoldina and Oratorium Marianum can close for renovation works or events. Always check ahead!

Exploring the Aula Leopoldina

As I wanted to visit the Aula for photography, I got there around 15 minutes before opening time but a queue quickly formed behind me.

I got my tickets as soon as it opened and made a beeline for the Aula which is located on the first floor. I was literally running up the stairs in my gown.

But, nothing could have prepared me for the feelings I had when I stepped inside this elaborate room.

It was staggering and the dazzling mix of paintings, portraits and statues truly took my breath away.

I always think that it’s easy to find a photo of a place online nowadays but nothing compares with seeing it with your own eyes.

It was far grander than I ever expected.

After I picked up my jaw, which was well and truly on the floor at this point, I started to take some photos of the room and I felt like a queen as I was exploring the hall.

Traditionally, most people head to the Oratorium Marianum first and so this bought me some time to get some lovely empty photos.

As I was here alone, I couldn’t use my tripod so a lovely staff member took some photos and videos for me and they turned out great!

If you wanted to experience this place without the crowds as well, I would head to this room first as it does get quite crowded as the day goes on.

Oratorium Marianum

Another beautiful room worth visiting at the University of Wroclaw is the Oratorium Marianum.

Also called the Marian Oratory of the Latin Congregation, this room was originally constructed to function as a chapel.

However, there were several disasters during the original construction where pillars collapsed. It was finally consecrated in 1733.

Oratorium Marianum Wroclaw — *Oratorium Marianum*

Ever since it has existed solely as a concert hall due to its excellent acoustics.

To this day, it still holds performances throughout the year so you should see if something is happening on your visit!

Again, this is another room that blew my mind. The ornate blend of details, colour and gold was just stunning to behold.

Several talented artists created this Baroque gem including Christophorus Tausch, Johann Blasius Peintner, Joseph Frisch and Johann Christoph Handke.

Baroque Staircase

In my haste to get to the Aula, I rushed past this Baroque staircase on my way up.

So, on my way down, I made a point to take the time to appreciate the architecture and details of this grand stairway.

It’s painted in stunning colours with stucco work. I particularly loved all the portraits featuring members of the House of Habsburg.

I recommend that you spend some time exploring this staircase as well as it is one of the highlights of any visit!

Exhibition Halls

If you have bought a full ticket, you can visit the informative exhibition halls in the museum.

These give you a great overview of the university including its creation, complex history and renovation work over time.

You’ll find lots of historic artefacts inside as well as a gallery of notable professors who worked at this prestigious academic institution.

Mathematical Tower

The very last stop will be a visit to the Mathematical Tower of Wroclaw University.

Prepare for your legs to start burning as it’s on the very top floor!

It measures 42 metres high and was originally the Astronomical Observatory.

It was founded in 1791 by the ex-Jesuit professor Longinus Anton Lorenz Jungnitz.

At the bottom of the tower, you’ll see lots of astronomical instruments which were used to track planets, measure celestial bodies, and find Meridian lines on Earth (more on this below).

Wroclaw University Mathematical Tower — *Mathematical Tower*

After you’ve explored the exhibition, you can climb up the spiral staircase to the top of the tower.

You will find yourself standing on the university terrace which provides 360-degree panoramic views of Wroclaw.

It makes an incredible photo opportunity. I especially loved all the evocative statues in all four corners.

From up here, you can see the River Oder, the colourful buildings of the Old Town, Słodowa Island, and beyond!

Wroclaw University doors

One thing I think is worth mentioning about Wroclaw University is the stunning set of royal blue and gold doors that greet you before you head inside.

These ornate entry doors are Baroque in style and feature an Imperial double-headed eagle of the Habsburg Empire.

There are two of them that are worth seeing. One is at the entrance of the museum and the other is near the fountain in the university square.

Visiting these doors is completely free and you don’t need a museum ticket to access them!

Wroclaw University Doors — *University Square*

If you visit around any sort of graduation, you’ll often see students queueing up to pose with their diplomas outside of the doors.

These make such a great photo opportunity but they can be surprisingly busy as everyone who passes by wants a photo.

It may be worth getting your photos of these doors when the university is closed or earlier in the morning!

Meridian Line

Just by the door of the Wroclaw University Museum, you can see a plaque indicating the Meridian Line.

If you didn’t know, a Meridian Line is a line of longitude or an imaginary line that divides the earth and how we establish timezones around the globe.

The professors at the university would have used the equipment in the Mathematical Tower to study this.

This Linia Południkowa was designed in 1791 by Professor Longinus Anton Jungnitz and is now immortalised in bronze.

It’s only a small pitstop on your visit but I thought this was a cool and nerdy thing to see.

Wroclaw University gnome

Something I loved about Wroclaw was the gnome/dwarf trail you could follow.

There were all these tiny and fun bronze statues that you would see scattered around the city in all sorts of situations.

You will find Wroclaw University’s dwarf or ‘Krasnal Professor’ just outside the entrance to the museum.

He’s dressed as a professor with his cap, cloak and glasses holding a book.

There are so many gnome statues around the city that you’re bound to see more on your visit.

You can type in the word ‘krasnal’ (Polish for ‘dwarf’) in Google Maps and there are pins to help you locate them.

Krasnal Professor Wroclaw University Gnome — *Krasnal Professor*

Is the Aula Leopoldina worth visiting?

Yes, the Aula Leopoldina has to be on your Polish bucket list as it’s one of the prettiest rooms you can visit in the country.

Not only that but this masterpiece is often regarded as one of the most beautiful Baroque halls in the world.

I felt like I had walked through a portal to another world and the entire place felt like a room from a fairytale.

Don’t skip the Aula Leopoldina when visiting Wroclaw. You won’t regret a single thing!

My top tips for your visit

Visit for opening time – if you want to see the Aula without too many people inside, I would get here for opening time and head straight up there.

Seats/chairs – the Oratorium Marianum is often set up for concerts. So, you’ll most likely find that it’s full of chairs. Great for visiting and admiring details but not for photography.

Don’t skip the Mathematical Tower – Not only does this have some awesome celestial equipment but great panoramic view over Wroclaw.

Selfie sticks/tripods are not allowed – I thought I would struggle for photos without mine as I visited alone but the staff did a great job helping me get photos.