At Szeroka 24 in Kazimierz, Kraków’s Old Synagogue is the oldest surviving synagogue in Poland. Its restored building now houses a museum about the history, traditions and daily life of Kraków’s Jewish community. Inside, exhibits include ceremonial objects and displays on religious practice, family life and Jewish holidays. Take time with the bilingual captions, photographs and videos; the visit is compact, but the material gives a thoughtful introduction to the community and the district’s past.
A synagogue in Kazimierz
The Old Synagogue stands at Szeroka 24, on one of Kazimierz’s best-known streets. It is the oldest surviving synagogue in Poland and dates to the 15th century. The building served as a centre of religious and social life for Kraków’s Jewish community for centuries.
The synagogue was damaged during the Second World War and later restored. Its exterior was rebuilt in Renaissance style after a fire in the 16th century, while Gothic elements remain inside. The building’s long history is visible in the contrast between these architectural details and its present role as a museum.
Inside the museum
The museum’s permanent exhibition, “The Tradition and Culture of Jews in Krakow,” explores religious customs and everyday life. Its subjects include prayer, Jewish holidays, family life, diet and other stages of life. Ceremonial objects, photographs, books and manuscripts help explain how traditions were practised and passed on.
The exhibition is arranged across a small number of rooms, so the visit does not require a large block of time. Bilingual captions accompany objects, images and videos. Reading them carefully gives useful context for the displays, especially if you are unfamiliar with the customs they describe. Temporary exhibitions may add other perspectives on Jewish history and culture.
A visit in context
The synagogue’s interior includes a prayer hall with a bimah, the platform used for reading the Torah, and the original kodesh, where Torah scrolls are kept. An upstairs photographic display adds another layer to the museum visit. The building itself is part of the experience, as well as a setting for the exhibits.
A visit can be emotionally difficult because the exhibitions address the history of Kraków’s Jewish community and the devastation of the Second World War. Take the time you need with the material. Afterwards, Szeroka Street makes it easy to continue exploring Kazimierz and its other synagogues. The nearby Jewish cemetery is another possible stop for visitors wishing to learn more about the district’s Jewish heritage.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long does a visit to the Old Synagogue take?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes. The museum is compact, with a small number of rooms, and reading the bilingual captions takes additional time.
What can you see inside the Old Synagogue?
The museum covers Jewish traditions and community life in Kraków, with ceremonial objects, photographs and other historical material. The prayer hall includes a bimah and the original kodesh.
Where is the Old Synagogue?
It is at Szeroka 24 in Kazimierz, Kraków’s historic Jewish district.
Does the Krakow City Card cover entry?
The Krakow City Card is noted as covering entry to the Old Synagogue.
