Cracovian Jewish District and former Ghetto Area

... a few steps from Wawel Hill we are in another city, another world – that of Jewish culture and tradition. Kazimierz is the historical centre of Cracow's Jewish religious and social life, where a lot of Jewish monuments are concentrated.

In the past, Kazimierz was a distinct town with its own market square and town hall, as well as a thriving culture which blossomed with particular vigour in the 16th century. This part of Cracow could serve as a model of Jewish life in the Diaspora.

Visit its labyrinth of streets and alleyways with streets named after figures from the Old Testament - Jacob, Isaac, Joseph, Esther.

Visit the famous Remuh Synagogue, named after the great Cracowian rabbi and scholar Moses Isserles, Remuh Cemetery, which was in use from 1551 till 1800 and the Old Synagogue. Built on the cusp of the 15th and 16th centuries, the Old Synagogue serves as the earliest surviving example of Jewish religious architecture in Poland and is home to a fine series of exhibits that illustrate the history and traditions of Polish Judaism.

A walk through the cozy lanes of Kazimierz allows us to move backwards to another epoque and with some imagination you can see the town as described in the Isaac B. Singer's books. On the way we will pass two synagogues - Tempel and Isaac which are, without doubt, the prettiest on Kazimierz. The atmosphere of the old times can be re-found in the local restaurants and cafes which offer delicious dishes and drinks of the traditional Jewish cuisine, accompanied by charming music which only here sounds so special...
Here, on Kazimierz is the original scenery used in Steven Spielberg's ”Schindler's List".

Duration : approx. 2,5 - 4 hours