The Old Synagogue

The Old Synagogue of Cracow, the oldest in Poland

In the heart of Kazimierz, the Old Synagogue, or Stara Boznica, is the oldest synagogue in Poland. A protected monument, it testifies to the deep rooting of the Jewish community in Cracow. The Cracow audio-guided tour stops here to go back to the origins of the Jewish town, several centuries before the tragedies of the twentieth century.

Founded in the fifteenth century

The Old Synagogue was founded in the fifteenth century by Jews from Bohemia who came to Cracow. Its oldest core makes it an exceptional witness of the architecture of Central European synagogues. Regular services were held there until 1941, before the community was annihilated during the Second World War. Restored, it is today a museum devoted to the city's Jewish history and culture.

What to see

Now a museum space, the Old Synagogue displays objects of worship, documents and reconstructions that tell the life of Cracow's Jewish community over the centuries. The prayer hall alone impresses by its age and its architecture. It is an essential stage to understand the history of Kazimierz, from the influence of the Jewish town to its tragedy.

Practical information

The Old Synagogue lies in the Kazimierz district of Cracow, reachable on foot. Now a museum, it can be visited according to hours that vary through the year, with an admission fee; it is best to check the hours and conditions before coming. The building, old, has spaces on several levels, to be taken into account depending on the visitor.

Why is the Old Synagogue important?

It is the oldest synagogue in Poland, founded in the fifteenth century; a protected monument, it is today a museum devoted to Cracow's Jewish history.

Can you still attend services there?

No, regular services were held there until 1941; the building is today a museum, and no longer a working place of worship.