Kazimierz in Krakow - a climatic, Jewish district

Kazimierz is the famous Jewish Quarter of Krakow. It's a unique place. Beautiful, atmospheric, one-off. I mean unique, because you can visit more than once and not twice. After World War II, Kazimierz was deserted and fell into ruin, but after years the former inhabitants and their descendants returned here and made this place alive again. Every year, Krakow's Kazimierz is visited by millions of tourists from all over the world. 

I absorbed its atmosphere all by myself. From many clubs and pubs, it overlooks the streets, right under the feet, or actually in front of the eyes of tourists. Amazing sites and entrances make you not want to leave this place until late at night. I have the impression that Kazimierz never falls asleep.

Kazimierz - a former island with synagogues

And did you know that it used to be an island? It was a separate city from Krakow, and the Vistula River flowed between them. Jews have lived here for centuries, right next to Christians. The former began to settle here as early as in the fourteenth century, within the streets of Miodowa, Św. Wawrzyniec, Wąska, Józefa and Corpus Christi. In the twentieth century, when it was already a district of Krakow, Jews inhabited the whole of Kazimierz, and before World War II they constituted a quarter of the city's population. 

It was in Kazimierz that their religious life was concentrated, in several synagogues. Most of them can be admired to this day, but they are visited for a fee. Just remember that if you want to visit the interiors of the synagogues, do not go here on Saturday, because then they are all closed. But Kazimierz is also Jewish shops, clubs or galleries and a characteristic atmosphere, completely different from that prevailing on the Main Market Square in Krakow.

Experiences in Kazimierz

Although Kazimierz is not too big, it hides many interesting places and attractions. At every step, we are surprised by something fantastic here. After our visit to this charming district of Krakow, a guide to Kazimierz was created. 

It will certainly make it easier for you to plan and visit this part of Kraków, especially since we have marked attractions and interesting restaurants on the map below. Check out the best attractions of Kazimierz in Krakow!

1. Old Synagogue in Kazimierz

The Old Synagogue at Szeroka Street dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest in Poland. It was built on the model of Gothic German and Czech synagogues, and in the next century it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style, according to the design of Mateusz Gucci. 

During World War II, it served as a warehouse and was heavily strained. Restored after the war, it is now a branch of the Krakow Museum and presents the history and culture of Jews, mainly Krakow Jews.

2. Remuh Synagogue in Kazimierz

This synagogue, made available to tourists for a fee, dates back to the 16th century. It's tiny, but interesting. It is one of several synagogues in Kazimierz, where services are still held and the only one where they are regular. After the Old Synagogue, it is the second oldest Jewish house of prayer in Krakow, so it used to be called New. 

Today's name comes from the Hebrew acronym ‏ ReMU, which refers to Moses ben Israel Isserles. He was an outstanding rabbi of the Jewish community in Kazimierz, buried in the local cemetery, at the back of the Remu synagogue.

3. Jewish Cemetery of Remuh

Kirkut near the Remuh Synagogue is one of the oldest cemeteries in Europe. It dates back to the 16th century and is also available to tourists for a fee, while visiting the synagogue. 

Kirkut Remu with the tombstone of Rabbi Remu and many other matzevot reminds us of the Jewish tradition, according to which cities of candles and flowers, stones are laid on graves. I like this custom much more than tuning Catholic graves.

4. Tempel Synagogue

The Tempel Synagogue at Miodowa Street is the youngest among those visited by us and is still open, i.e. services are still held here, although not regularly. Most of all, it resembles the Catholic church, because it was established as a temple of Reform Judaism. It is available for tourists for a fee, and you will find colorful umbrellas on the back🙂 

The Tempel Synagogue hosts a number of events during the annual Jewish Culture Festival in Kazimierz.

5. Kupa Synagogue

The Kupa Synagogue was established in the 17th century, as the last synagogue in the period of the existence of the Jewish city. It was also called the Hospital, because next to it there was a former Jewish hospital and the Synagogue of the Poor, because the poorest members of the Jewish community prayed here. The northern wall of the synagogue is adjacent to the medieval wall of Kazimierz. 

Currently, after a thorough renovation of the interiors, it can delight with the decor, but we did not manage to look, because it was exceptionally closed to tourists on Sundays. It is a place of meetings, concerts and exhibitions, especially during the Jewish Culture Festival.

6. Church of Corpus Christi in Kazimierz

The wonderful, monumental Basilica of Corpus Christi remembers the times of the Middle Ages and King Casimir the Great. This temple standing almost at Wolnica Square makes a great impression from the outside, but we were delighted by its impressive interior and decor. 

The church can be visited free of charge. And did you know that this is a double sanctuary? Of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Mother of the Saviour and St. Stanisław Kazimierczyk.

7. Austeria Bookstore

The unique, atmospheric Austeria Bookstore was established in the former Popper Synagogue, at Szeroka Street, opposite the Synagogue of Remo. This place promotes Jewish culture, you have to enter the bookstore through the gate and the courtyard with a mural.

8. Wolnica Square

Wolnica Square is the former market square of Kazimierz. Attention is drawn here to the very impressive town hall, which currently houses the permanent exhibition of the Ethnographic Museum. It is still one of the two main squares of the district. It is worth noting that nearby, at Krakowska Street, in the so-called Esterka House, there is a temporary exhibition of the Ethnographic Museum.

9. New Square in Kazimierz

New Square is the second most important square of Kazimierz and at the same time a cult place, although I must admit that it did not make a big impression on me and did not become my favorite place. In fact, it is a kind of market where various goods are traded on different days - handicrafts, antiques or simply clothes. 

Characteristic here is a round log with many windows in which casseroles are served. Of course, this is a budget solution, because you will eat much better in one of the many restaurants here.

10. Church on Skałka

The church on Skałka, also colloquially called Skałka, is the basilica of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr. This well-known and valuable complex consists of a church and a Pauline monastery. Although it is still Kazimierz, it is very close to Wawel. The temple proudly towers on a hill, built of white limestone, beautifully shining in the afternoon sun on the Vistula.

According to tradition, the Church on Skalka is considered the sanctuary of the martyrdom of St. Stanislaus - the bishop of Krakow. In addition, it serves as the National Pantheon. The Crypt of the Merited was created in the basement of the church, where, among others, the poet Czesław Miłosz, musician Karol Szymanowski, painter Stanisław Wyspiański, poet Adam Asnyk and poet Wincenty Pol rest.

11. Footbridge of Father Bernatek

Father Bernatek's footbridge was established in 2010. It is a pedestrian and bicycle footbridge in Krakow, passed through the Vistula River, and connecting Kazimierz with Podgórze. It was built on the site of the former Podgórski Bridge. It was named after Father Laetus Bernatko - a monk who, at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, led to the construction of the buildings of the Bonifratry hospital in Krakow. 

The footbridge is a 145-meter-long steel arch to which two platforms are suspended - for pedestrians and cyclists. The platforms are about 130 meters long, and the whole weighs more than 700 tons.

Map of the attraction and a walk around Kazimierz

Below we have marked on the map all the attractions listed in our entry. This will certainly help you plan your visit to this atmospheric place. The walking route is also lower.

We will start our one-and-a-half-hour walk (without stops) at the church on Skalka. At the beginning of the Livonia Boulevards, we will go to the footbridge of Father Bernatek. We will enter the heart of Kazimierz via Mostowa Street directly into the former market square. From here, it is not far to the Basilica of Corpus Christi with its beautiful interior. From there, through an extremely atmospheric isthmus near the "Dairy", we reach Plac Nowy z Okrąglakiem. Here you can try the famous casseroles. We will start visiting the synagogues with the largest one - Tempel. On the way to Szeroka Street, you can also visit the Kupa synagogue in the courtyard. The famous Szeroka street with the synagogues of Remu, Popper and Stara opens in front of us. From there, along the climatic Józefa Street and further Skałeczna Street, we will reach the church on Skałka Street, from which we started our walk.

Where to eat in Kazimierz?

Apart from synagogues, there were many houses of prayer in Kazimierz. One of them today houses the Hevre restaurant, located at Beera Meiselsa Street. It has a great climate, we ate very tasty Italian dishes here and more. A nice place to sit over a beer, in the heart of Kazimierz. If you wanted to get to know all the pubs in Kazimierz, it could end badly for your wallet and stomach. There are really a lot of them here, and what's more interesting. 

It is definitely worth visiting the First Degree Restaurant at Krakowska Street. It's a trendy place with a lovely décor and lots of greenery. I was enchanted by the interior, as well as the way the dishes were served. The taste is also at a high level. Mainly Polish cuisine, I recommend. And then there are the iconic casseroles from Okrąglak on Nowy Square. What a window, it's a different adventure, and they work until 2.00-3.00 in the morning!

Accommodation in Kazimierz

While in Kazimierz Krakowski, we slept in his heart, on Józefa Street, in the Great Polonia Hotel. It is 200 meters from the Old Synagogue. The place is comfortable, not too expensive, but at night there is a buzz from Plac Nowy. Breakfast must be purchased separately. On the other hand, the hotel is an ideal base for walks around Kazimierz, also at night.

Jewish Culture Festival

Kazimierz's fame is won by the popular, annual Jewish Culture Festival. It has been a significant event promoting Jewish culture since 1988. At that time, concerts and exhibitions are held in Kazimierz, including at the Tempel Synagogue and the Kupa Synagogue. The Jewish Culture Festival takes place in the summer.
31.jewishfestival.pl

Schindler's List at Krakowski Kazimierz

Kazimierz in Krakow is such a unique and atmospheric place that many films were shot here. Even during our last visit, scenes for Indian production were shot at Wolnica Square. One of the most famous films whose scenes were shot in Krakow's Kazimierz district is "Schindler's List". 

This is a fantastic Steven Spielberg film based on facts. This is the story of entrepreneur Oskar Schindler, who saved 1100 Jews from the concentration camp during World War II. The "Schindler's List" was awarded the Oscars.

Our film about Kazimierz

I invite you to watch our film about Kazimierz. We will walk its extremely atmospheric streets, visit the famous synagogues and eat delicious meals in unusual restaurants. Feel free to come!

Practical information

All year round 24/7
free admission
The synagogues are visited for a fee, on Saturdays they are closed outside the Old Synagogue
Numerous restaurants and clubs are open until late at night

Krakowski Kazimierz
ul. Szeroka, ul. Miodowa, ul. Józefa and others, Krakow

What's worth seeing in the area?

If you have already visited this attraction, it is also worth visiting several other interesting ones places nearby. Within a radius of 100 kilometers you will find many interesting places places that can diversify your stay in this part of Poland.

• Wieliczka Salt Mine, distance: 11  km
• Krakowskie valleys, distance: 19.9  km
• Błędowska Desert, distance: 43.1  km
• Gródek Park in Jaworzno, distance: 48.9  km
• Eagle's Nest Trail, distance: 52.6  km
• Castle in Żywiec, distance: 67.2  km
• Bobolice Castle, distance: 70.2  km
• Olsztyn Castle, distance: 91  km
• Black Trout Adit in Tarnowskie Góry, distance: 91.2  km
• Rysy, distance: 97.6  km