The world that no longer exists: Krakow’s Kazimierz district

Kraków’s Kazimierz district tells the story of centuries of Polish-Jewish coexistence that ended in tragedy during World War II.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore an area once separated from Kraków by the Vistula River, and divided between Christian and Jewish communities. You’ll discover how this neglected post-war neighborhood became one of the city’s most vibrant cultural centers, filled with atmospheric cafés, restaurants celebrating Jewish heritage, and beautifully restored religious landmarks.

The tour starts at the Church on the Rock, which was an important pilgrimage destination for centuries. You’ll weave through the historic Christian and Jewish sections of Kazimierz, passing Renaissance churches, the former town hall, and historic market squares where daily life unfolded for hundreds of years.

You’ll walk down the vibrant Szeroka Street, once the heart of Jewish Kazimierz, past filming locations from Schindler’s List, through the former ghetto area, and alongside public art that commemorates the district’s Jewish heritage. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about notable residents, from the cosmetics magnate Helena Rubinstein to Rabbi Moses Isserles. The tour ends at the magnificent Tempel Synagogue, whose neo-Renaissance façade with Moorish elements reflects the progressive Jewish community that once worshipped there.

On this 75-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Visit the Old Synagogue, the oldest surviving site of Jewish religious worship in Poland
• Explore the former Jewish market with its circular hall, now famous for Poland’s beloved zapiekanka street food
• Discover the Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery, where Jews have prayed since the 16th century
• See the birthplace of Helena Rubinstein, who rose from humble beginnings to become the ”queen of cosmetics”
• Admire impressive street art, including the powerful Yehuda mural by Pil Peled
• Pay respects at the Holocaust Memorial commemorating the 50,000-65,000 Kraków Jews murdered during WWII
• Pass by the historic mikvah (ritual bath) that now serves as a vibrant cultural center
• Learn about the fascinating blend of architectural styles in the district’s religious buildings

By the end of this tour, you’ll have stepped back in time to experience the fascinating multicultural heritage of a neighborhood where two worlds once coexisted side by side.