Kazimierz

Kazimierz was once an independent city and is now one of the most atmospheric districts of Kraków. Until 1954 it was the eighth quarter of the city, and today it forms part of District I Old Town. For centuries two cultures, Christian and Jewish, lived side by side here, and the area still has a distinct, instantly recognisable character.

How did Kazimierz begin?

The city was founded in the 14th century by King Casimir the Great, who gave it his name. For a long time it developed as a separate centre on an island between branches of the Vistula. In 1495, by decision of King John I Albert, the Jews who had previously lived in Kraków were relocated to the area of today's Szeroka Street. This created the so-called Jewish town (oppidum iudaeorum), which shaped the face of the district for centuries.

What to see in Kazimierz

The synagogues are the district's calling card. The Old, High, Remuh, Popper, Tempel, Kupa and Izaak synagogues, along with several smaller houses of prayer, form an ensemble that is unique on a European scale, comparable only to the synagogues of Prague. The oldest in Kraków is the Old Synagogue, with origins going back to 1407. Until 1939 it served as the main temple of the community and as its religious, cultural and social centre. Today it houses a museum about the history of Kraków's Jews.

It is also worth strolling along Szeroka Street, the former heart of the Jewish town, and looking at the old cemeteries beside the synagogues. Kazimierz also has churches and monasteries from the time when the district was a separate royal city, so a walk here shows how closely the two traditions stood side by side.

Plac Nowy and everyday life

One of the most popular spots is Plac Nowy (New Square). During the day it is a market where you can buy anything from vegetables to antiques. In the evening the square turns into a social hub, surrounded by atmospheric cafes and pubs, so the district stays lively late into the night.

Is Kazimierz a UNESCO site?

Yes. Kazimierz, together with its synagogues, belongs to the historic centre of Kraków, which in 1978 was among the very first sites placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

How to explore the district

Kazimierz is best discovered on foot. The compact streets and main landmarks can be covered in a few hours, but it is worth setting aside more time to step inside the synagogues, sit in a cafe and feel the rhythm of the place. The district adjoins the Old Town, so it is easy to combine both parts of Kraków in a single day. Mornings are calmer, while afternoons and evenings get busy, especially around Plac Nowy.

Frequently asked questions

Was Kazimierz once a separate city? Yes. King Casimir the Great founded it in the 14th century, and it was incorporated into Kraków later; until 1954 it was the city's eighth quarter.

Why is Kazimierz associated with Jewish culture? In 1495 King John I Albert moved Kraków's Jews here. From then on a Jewish town with synagogues, schools and community life developed in Kazimierz.

Which synagogue is the oldest? The Old Synagogue, dating back to 1407, is considered the oldest in Kraków and one of the oldest in Poland.

What to do in Kazimierz in the evening? Head to the area around Plac Nowy, where cafes and pubs offer a distinctive atmosphere.

Is it part of the Old Town? Administratively Kazimierz belongs to District I Old Town, but historically and architecturally it has its own strong identity.

Kazimierz combines history, religion and city life. Whether you are drawn by monuments or simply by a good atmosphere, it deserves a dedicated day on any visit to Kraków.