How long does it take to walk through the Jewish Quarter in Krakow?

A thorough walk through Kazimierz typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to stop at major sites like Plac Nowy and Szeroka Street, though you may want extra time if you plan to enter the museums.

Is Kazimierz safe to walk at night?

Yes, Kazimierz is generally very safe and is one of Krakow's most popular nightlife areas. While Plac Nowy can be crowded and boisterous on weekends, the main streets are well-lit and frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Can I visit the synagogues in Kazimierz?

Most synagogues in Kazimierz are open to the public as museums or active places of worship, including the Tempel and Remah Synagogues. Note that they are usually closed to visitors on Saturdays (Sabbath) and during religious holidays.

Is the Jewish Quarter walking route accessible for wheelchairs?

The route is largely flat, making it accessible, but travelers should be aware of old cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks. Some historic sites, like the Remah Cemetery, have gravel paths that might be challenging for some mobility devices.

What is the significance of Szeroka Street?

Szeroka Street was the historical center of the Jewish community in Krakow. It is significant for its concentration of heritage sites, including three synagogues, and its role as a filming location for the movie 'Schindler's List'.

Where can I find the best street food in Kazimierz?

Plac Nowy is the premier spot for street food in the district. The central 'Okraglak' building is famous for serving zapiekanka, a popular Polish toasted sandwich, which has become a must-try for any visitor to the neighborhood.

Is a guided tour Krakow necessary to see the Jewish Quarter?

While a guided tour Krakow offers many options, a self-guided audio walk allows you to explore the Jewish Quarter at your own pace. The district is compact and easy to navigate independently with a good map or audio guide.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the soul of Kazimierz, a district where every cobblestone tells a story of survival, culture, and rebirth. This neighborhood stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter of Krakow offers a profound look into the life of a community that shaped the city for centuries. Once an independent town, Kazimierz became a melting pot of Jewish and Christian traditions, a legacy visible in the proximity of grand synagogues and towering basilicas. On this self-guided walk, you will explore the heart of Jewish history in Poland, moving through atmospheric squares and narrow alleys that have witnessed both the heights of cultural achievement and the depths of tragedy. This walking route is not just a lesson in the past; it is an encounter with a vibrant, living neighborhood that has transformed into a bohemian hub for artists and travelers alike. You will see the architectural evolution of the district, from the Moorish-style Tempel Synagogue to the fortress-like Old Synagogue. Along the way, the route passes through Plac Nowy, the center of local life, where the scent of traditional street food mingles with the echoes of the market's history. By taking this walking tour Krakow visitors can experience the district at their own pace, pausing to reflect at the ancient Remah Cemetery or to admire the Gothic grandeur of the Corpus Christi Basilica. This experience is designed for those who want to discover the layers of Krakow's identity independently, focusing on the stable historical narratives that define this UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you are interested in religious heritage, 20th-century history, or the unique atmosphere of a district in constant flux, this journey through Kazimierz provides a comprehensive and moving perspective on Krakow's dual heritage.

Highlights

The stunning Moorish-inspired interior of the Tempel Synagogue

The bustling atmosphere and 'Okraglak' of Plac Nowy

The solemn 16th-century Remah Cemetery and its 'Wailing Wall'

Szeroka Street, the historic social center of the Jewish community

The Old Synagogue, Poland's oldest surviving example of Jewish architecture

The massive Gothic interior of the Corpus Christi Basilica

Tour Stops (6)

Tempel Synagogue

Begin your self-guided adventure at the Tempel Synagogue, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture. Built in the 1860s for the Association of Progressive Jews, its design reflects the community's desire to integrate into European society while maintaining their faith. Unlike more traditional, austere synagogues, the Tempel features a striking Moorish Revival style, with gold-leaf ornamentation and intricate stained glass. As you stand before it, consider how this building served as a bridge between tradition and modernity. It was here that sermons were often given in Polish and German rather than Yiddish, signaling a major shift in the cultural landscape of Kazimierz. Today, it remains an active place of worship and a prestigious venue for concerts, symbolizing the resilience and revival of Jewish culture in the city.

Plac Nowy

A short walk brings you to Plac Nowy, the beating heart of Kazimierz. In the center stands the 'Okraglak,' a circular building constructed in 1900 that once served as a ritual slaughterhouse for poultry. Today, it is the epicenter of Krakow's street food scene, famous for 'zapiekanka'—the open-faced toasted baguettes that are a local staple. This square has transitioned from a traditional marketplace to a bohemian gathering spot. During the day, you might find antique dealers or flea markets; by night, the surrounding bars become the focus of the city's nightlife. Despite its modern energy, the square retains a gritty, authentic atmosphere that reflects the district's complex history of decline and subsequent artistic rebirth.

Remah Cemetery

Enter a space of profound silence at the Remah Cemetery, established in 1551. This is one of the oldest Jewish burial grounds in Europe and the final resting place of Rabbi Moses Isserles, known as the Remah. His tomb is a pilgrimage site for Jews from around the world. Pay close attention to the cemetery wall; it is a 'Wailing Wall' constructed from fragments of tombstones smashed during World War II. These broken pieces were recovered and assembled into a mosaic after the war, serving as a powerful monument to the community that was nearly erased. The ancient trees and weathered headstones, many featuring symbolic carvings of lions, hands, or books, create a somber yet beautiful environment for reflection on the centuries of Jewish life in Krakow.

Szeroka Street

Szeroka is not a street in the traditional sense, but rather a wide, elongated square that served as the main center of the Jewish town of Kazimierz. This area is steeped in history, having been the site of the first Jewish settlements in the 14th century. As you walk past the historic townhouses, you are walking through the same space that served as a backdrop for Steven Spielberg’s film 'Schindler's List.' Today, Szeroka is the site of the annual Jewish Culture Festival’s final concert, which draws thousands of people to celebrate the enduring spirit of Jewish traditions. The square is lined with restaurants offering Klezmer music and traditional cuisine, blending the echoes of the past with the vibrant tourism of the present.

Old Synagogue

At the end of Szeroka stands the Old Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in Poland. Originally built in the 15th century, its fortress-like appearance—complete with high walls and narrow windows—was a practical necessity for defense in medieval times. The building has survived fires, reconstructions, and the devastation of the Nazi occupation, during which it was used as a warehouse and its treasures were looted. It now serves as a branch of the Museum of Krakow, housing a rich collection of Judaica that illustrates the customs, holidays, and daily life of the Krakow Jews. Its architecture, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, stands as a testament to the long-standing and deeply rooted history of the Jewish people in this region.

Corpus Christi Basilica

Conclude your neighborhood stroll at the Corpus Christi Basilica, a massive brick structure that marks the transition from the Jewish heart of Kazimierz to its Christian history. Founded by King Casimir the Great in 1335, this church is a stunning example of Gothic architecture with a lavish Baroque interior. The scale of the basilica is immense, reflecting the royal patronage it once enjoyed. Inside, the high altar and the intricate wooden choir stalls are particularly noteworthy. The presence of this grand Catholic basilica just blocks away from the synagogues highlights the unique multi-cultural character of Kazimierz, where two faiths have coexisted for centuries. This contrast is the essence of the district—a place where different worlds meet and leave an indelible mark on the landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Kazimierz district is highly recommended for history enthusiasts. This route covers over 500 years of Jewish and Christian history, featuring landmarks like the Old Synagogue and Remah Cemetery within a 1.5-mile walking radius.