The Kazimierz District in Krakow – the Jewish Quarter that Is Worth Visiting
The Kazimierz District is one of these places, where you can feel the unique bohemian aura from the start. It is no wonder it is one of the most popular districts of Krakow, as its artistic and cultural heart continues to captivate and absorb unreservedly. You simply do not visit Krakow without going to this beautiful part of the city, even for a short while. Let us go for a walk!
What is Attractive about the Kazimierz District?
Atmospheric cafes, galleries, second-hand bookshops, artistic workshops, or numerous restaurants around Plac Nowy or ul. Szeroka, ul. Miodowa, ul. Józefa, and ul. Izaaka. Paved market square and historical buildings, including the ones of great significance for the Jewish culture. Incredible history and magic in the air. But this is only a handful of reasons why it is worth getting lost in the nooks and crannies of the Kazimierz district, credited by including on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and invariably enchanting visitors from all around the world.
History of the Krakow’s Kazimierz District
Kazimierz – as the name suggests – was founded by king Casimir (Polish: Kazimierz) III the Great, who selected an islet on the Vistula River for the new township in 1335. Initially, it was not inhabited by the Jews – they were repatriated to the north-eastern part of the town in late 15th century, where they could make themselves at home. The Kazimierz district was included in Krakow only under the Austrian rule, and rebuilt after World War II, it turned to one of the most popular districts of the capital of Lesser Poland among the visitors.
What is Worth Seeing in the Kazimierz District?
What is Worth Seeing in the Kazimierz District? The list will be long, and still you will be surprised by something new every time you go there. The best starting point is ul. Szeroka – the former centre of the Jewish Quarter. From there, you can go into numerous small streets and explore. The list of places that are worth visiting includes:
- the Great Mikvah – the old ritual bath house located at ul. Szeroka, the remains of which can be seen today.
- the oldest of still standing synagogues in Poland – the Old Synagogue – near ul. Szeroka, with the Historical Museum of the Historical Museum of Krakow;
- the Skałka Church – the beautiful Baroque Saint Michael the Archangel and Saint Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr Basilica under the care of the Pauline monks;
- Wolnica Square – used to be as important as the Main Market Square, currently, it captivates with the Renaissance Town Hall with the Etnographic Museum;
- the Corpus Christi Basilica – founded by king Casimir III the Great, with imposing columns in the nave and oratories in the aisles;
- Św. Wawrzyńca – an important stop on the Krakow Industrial Heritage Route;
- Judah Food Market – the best venue for delicious street food straight from food trucks and kiosks;
- Józefa – a must-see, the most atmospheric street, which is at the same time the charming essence of Krakow;
- Plac Nowy – a flea market by day, and the centre of night life in the Kazimierz district by night. It is worth planning a short break here, and have the best “zapiekanka” in the world;
- the Tempel Synagogue – one of the four open synagogues in the city. It enchants with the extraordinary Renaissance-Moorish style, beautiful stained glass windows, stuccos, design, polychromes, and ornaments;
- the Kupa Synagogue – the main synagogue of the Jewish community from the 17th century with entrancing paintings.
