Fascinating history and a bit of exoticism – Krakow Jewish quarter sightseeing

The heart of th Krakow Jewish quarter is Szeroka Street, where are three of seven Kazimierz’s survived synagogues. Unfortunately, World War II put an end to the flourishing life of the local Jewish community, but today it’s being reborn with more and more energy, especially thanks to maintaining the memory of the place. Jewish Kazimierz truly makes an impression! Our Kazimierz-Krakow guided tour are always an unforgettable experience.

Szeroka Street ends with the 15^th century Old Synagogue building. Despite war damages, it still contains some Gothic and Renaissance elements. It’s a unique, world-class monument (under the care of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow) with an interesting exhibition dedicated to the Jewish culture and religion inside. Szeroka Street itself and charming surrounding alleys are full of quasi-Jewish pubs and restaurants (some of them are set in old, pre-war workshops with signboards, that imitate original). At the other end of the street You can see the Great Mikvah (Jewish ritual bath) building. There is a hotel now, but the stairs leading to the basement, where is the swimming pool are available for visitors.

Krakow Jewish quarter

Numerous historic synagogues remained in Krakow Jewish quarter to our time. Small Renaissance synagogue Remuh, associated with the figure of famous rabbi Moshe Isserles and founded by his father is also located on Szeroka Street. Rabbi Isserles was buried on the cemetery surrounding the synagogue (one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe!) and his grave is a destination for pilgrimage of Jews from all over the world. Remuh is one of two active synagogues in Krakow. Its interior and the beautiful, historic cemetery are available for tourists. In brief, this is a unique opportunity to visit the functioning synagogue! A few dozen meters away, You can see Wolf Popper synagogue founded in the 17^th century by a rich merchant. During the annual Jewish Culture Festival, various interesting workshops are organized inside. Certainly worth a visit is the High Synagogue, another Renaissance monument with a magnificent 16^th century Aron ha-Kodesh (the cabinet for Torah scrolls) and a prayer room situated on the first floor, which is an absolutely unique solution. Two other Baroque synagogues are – Kupa Synagogue (the name means ‘treasury of the community’, the building was financed with municipal funds) and Isaac Synagogue, designed probably by Giovanni Trevano. We would also recommend You visiting extraordinary Tempel synagogue, built in the 19^th century in response to the needs of the assimilated Jews community professing reformed version of Judaism. Its interior is arranged quite differently than in the previous buildings adapted to the traditional liturgy. Visiting Krakow Jewish quarter is a unique opportunity to learn about the culture, religion and history of Krakow Jews.

We have mentioned the Jewish Culture Festival. It takes place every summer in Krakow at the turn of June and July. During the event the district is overwhelmed then by colorful carnival. Thousands of enthusiastic visitors and tourists come from all over the world to participate in this great celebration of Jewish music and culture. The final concert (famous “Shalom on Szeroka Street”) gathers crowds of dancing klezmer music lovers. The atmosphere of this incredible event is difficult to compare with any other – you have to experience it!