The town of Kazimerz near Cracow was founded in 1335 by Kazimierz (Casimir) the great. With its own town hall and a defence wall, Kazimierz competed with the capital in position and wealth. The king built two large churches, St Catherine and Corpus Christi, and planned to establish a university here. After king Jan Olbracht had moved the Jewish population here from Cracow in the late 15th century, the separate nature of Kazimierz became more pronounced. The town was soon to become a leading centre of Jewish culture.
Although Kazimierz was integrated administratively into Cracow in 1791, the distinctive character of this quarter is still evident. With narrow streets lined with low buildings, it seems to belong to a different world. It bears witness to centuries of peaceful co-existence of two peoples, Jewish and Polish. The Nazis annihilated this unique world; however a number of art galleries and restaurants have been opened here to evoke the past.
Temple synagogue – the decoration of this synagogue built in the Neo – Renaissance style, was influenced by Moorish art.
Kupa Synagogue – was built in the 17th Century, financed by the Kahal of Kazimierz. It was remodelled many times and was also used for non-religious purposes.
High Synagogue – With its late gothic architecture and Renaissance decoration, this is one of Cracow most picturesque synagogues
Ghetto - Along the old routes of the ghetto
Old Synagogue – this menorah is among the treasures in Poland’s oldest synagogue. The building was destroyed by the Nazis, and later resorted.
Jewish cemeteries – destroyed by the Nazi party, fragments were saved and rebuilt in to the walls of the current cemeteries.
Lunch snack – Dan with a nice healthy lunch
Kazimierz town hall – was the seat of power until 1791
Corpus Christi Church –
Rest break – afternoon tea
Kazimierz District in Krakow is such a beautiful place. So many things to see there. One week is not enough!
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