Page 124 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Krakow

122  KR AK OW AREA B Y AREA

Street-by-Street: Szeroka Street Area

The Jewish quarter was located in the east part of Kazimierz and
concentrated first around Szeroka Street, then Libusza Square,
which was later known as New Square. As well as the Jews
displaced here in the late 15th century from Krakow, Czech
and German refugees also came to live in Kazimierz.
Many synagogues, baths, schools and cemeteries were
established, and the area became an active centre of
Judaic culture and learning. During the Nazi occupation
of Krakow, however, all this was dismantled. The
Jewish community was forced into the ghetto and
much of its legacy eradicated. Several synagogues
M I O D O W A
in the area, together with two cemeteries, help
visitors to explore the past.

M I O D O W A J A K U B A

1 Tempel Synagogue
The decoration of this synagogue, built
in the Neo-Renaissance style, was
influenced by Moorish art.

Jewish Tombs K U P A
The signs carved on tombs convey symbolic
meanings. The grave of a rabbi is indicated by
hands joined in prayer. Basins and jugs for the
ritual ablution of hands can be found on graves of 0 metres 50
the Levites. Three interlaced snakes feature on the
grave of a physician, and a crown of knowledge 0 yards 50
on that of a learned man. A lion or a six-pointed
star of David signifies a descendant of Judah. Key
Suggested route

The Kupa Synagogue
This was built in the 17th century and financed by
the Kahal of Kazimierz. It was remodelled many
times and was also used for non-religious purposes.