Old Synagogue (Kraków) Synagogue

Address: Szeroka 24, 31-053 Kraków, Poland

Website: https://www.jewishmuseum.pl/

Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm (may vary on Jewish holidays)

Admission: Free admission to synagogue; paid entry for permanent exhibitions at Jewish Museum Kraków where applicable (see museum website)

The Old Synagogue in Kraków is a preserved historic synagogue in the Kazimierz quarter of Kraków, one of the oldest surviving Jewish houses of worship in Poland. The building dates to the late 15th century and combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.

The synagogue contains a restored interior with characteristic architectural details, exhibition space showing aspects of Jewish religious life and material culture, and interpretation about the building’s role in the Jewish community. It forms part of the network of synagogues and Jewish heritage sites in Kazimierz that attract cultural and historical visitors.

Constructed in the late 15th century, the building served as an active place of worship for the Jewish community until World War II, after which it was damaged and later restored and converted to a museum and cultural site. It has been preserved as an example of medieval and early modern synagogue architecture in Poland.

The Old Synagogue stands on Szeroka Street in the Kazimierz district of Kraków, a short walk south of the Old Town and Main Market Square.

• Location in Kraków: located on Szeroka Street in the Kazimierz district, within easy walking distance of Kraków’s Main Market Square.

Located in Kazimierz (the historic Jewish quarter), the Old Synagogue is on Szeroka Street about a 15-20 minute walk south from Kraków’s Main Market Square. It is included in walking tours of Kazimierz and the Jewish Museum Kraków’s circuit.

• Visit on weekday mornings to avoid tour groups that congregate in the Kazimierz quarter in afternoons.
• The synagogue is frequently closed for private services or Jewish holidays; check the Jewish Museum Kraków schedule before you go.
• Pay attention to the stonework and polychrome ceiling - the painted interior is fresher than many expect, because of careful conservation work.