First published: 23/04/08.

Assif 4.0

Kraków

Kraków (Inscribed)

Kraków by Els Slots

I agree with everyone saying Cracow is a great city. I think so too. I would like to focus my review on my visit to Kazimierz - the Jewish ghetto which was very exciting for me as a Jew. Cracow's Jewish district is amazing in that it is one of the only Jewish ghettos that survived WWII essentially intact (like in Prague or Venice). The reason why the ghetto was not destroyed was the horrid Nazi idea to turn the place into an open air museum documenting the downfall of a race (der Untergang einer Rasse). Thanks to this we can still admire this quiet neibourhood which still houses a small Jewish ultraorthodox minority (how amazing!) and which otherwise became Cracow's number one night life centre. The Jewish past is not being forgotten and you can go out to some traditional restaurants where you can enjoy Kosher food and Hassidi music often played by non-Jewish bands.

There are quite a few synagogues in Kazimierz and it is unnecessary to visit them all. I would recommend to first visit the Jewish Cumminity Centre where you can get a map of the ghetto and some additional information. Sometimes they also offer cultural events connected to Cracow's Jews. The oldest synagogue in Cracow is the Isaac Synogogue (and not the Old Synagogue! which is much newer). It is a bit empty and there isn't much to see inside but it still offers a special atmosphere. Conversely, the Tempel Reform Synagogue is beautifully decorated in is very much recommended to visit as an architectural piece of art. The Old Synagogue is home to the museum of Jewish history of Cracow. Nearby Remuh Cemetery is an old Jewish cemetery reminding of Prague's. Another museum nearby - the Galicia Museum - exhibits photos and films documenting Jewish life in Poland. It is very different from the Jewish museum in the Old Synagogue and I would recommend a visit to bothe of them.

Above all, try to visit Cracow's famous Jewish Festival which takes place annually during summer in Kazimierz.

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