Origins date back to the 15th century; the building’s current appearance is the result of a Renaissance rebuild after a fire. Brick-and-stone massing, heavy pillars and barrel vaults with lunettes are characteristic of this part of Kazimierz.
Today the interior houses a museum exhibition that organizes the basics: the prayer space, the rhythm of the year, symbols and objects connected with home life and community.
After your visit you can reach Remuh, Szeroka, Miodowa and Plac Nowy in a few minutes on foot – a compact, logical walk for a short visit.
Bimah - the raised platform for reading the Torah, the focal point of the nave; look at the relationships of height and the way light falls from the windows.
Aron ha-kodesh - the cabinet for the Torah scrolls on the eastern wall; pay attention to the decorations and inscriptions.
Ner tamid - the eternal light; a small detail that symbolically unifies the interior.
Exhibitions about the life cycle and the Jewish year - household objects, texts and photographs; these displays are a key that "opens" other places in Kazimierz.
Bimah - the central platform for reading the Torah.
Aron ha-kodesh - the ark or cabinet for the Torah scrolls on the eastern wall.
Mechitza - the traditional divider used in Orthodox synagogues.
Parochet - the curtain covering the ark (Aron ha-kodesh).
Macewa - a vertical gravestone on a cemetery; you will see many at the nearby Remuh Cemetery.
Start on Szeroka Street: frame the synagogue building from the street (5 min).
Enter the synagogue: main hall, bimah, and the ark (20 min).
Step back onto Szeroka: read the plaques and look at façade details of the surrounding tenement houses (5 min).
Walk to the Remuh area and take a look at the cemetery from the gate (10 min).
Return along Szeroka toward Miodowa for a short coffee break (5 min).
Old Synagogue in full version (30–40 min) + walk Szeroka → Remuh → Miodowa → Tempel (30–40 min) + a quick descent into Józefa Street and one courtyard with a detail photography stop (20–30 min).
Works very well as a morning block before lunch or as an afternoon set finishing at Plac Nowy. (Use the rhythm to combine close, related sites without long transfers.)
Szeroka aligned on the synagogue axis - 8:30–10:00 for clean frames without crowds.
Three-quarter façade and portal - try semi-closeups 30–60 minutes before sunset for warm side light.
Interior: look up at the arches and ribs - a low-angle "floor-to-vault" composition works best.
After rain: reflections on the Szeroka cobbles add depth to photos.
"Three concepts, three photos": bimah, ark, ner tamid - take one shot and a short note about where to see the motif in the field.
"Street context": 5 minutes on Szeroka - note the contemporary functions around the synagogue (education, memory, pedestrian flow, cafés).
"Map of the onward route": Szeroka → Remuh → Miodowa → Józefa - sketch with walking times and two planned break points.
10–12 minute modules: main hall, a detail, a photo, then outside air. Short modules help children stay focused.
Game "find the symbol": crown, lions, candelabra - after finding one motif move to the next place.
Lemonade break after you leave and a return photo on Szeroka "before and after" (entry/exit) - a fun keepsake of the visit.
Quiet walkthrough of the exhibition: 25–40 minutes depending on pace.
Walk to Remuh: 3–4 min, to the Tempel on Miodowa: 6–8 min, to Plac Nowy: 7–9 min.
Best morning window: 9:00–11:00; afternoon alternative: 16:00 until sunset.
Start at the Old Synagogue, then go to Remuh - it’s easier to "read" symbols and architecture in sequence.
Plan two interior details to photograph and two on Szeroka - later you can compare them with other synagogues.
If you only have one hour, choose this set: main hall + Szeroka + Remuh gate. You get the essence without rushing.
After rain head toward Szeroka - the cobbles and puddles create ready-made scenery for shots.
If you want the Old Synagogue to "play" with full context and link to surrounding sites in a coherent story, book a guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - arrange a date today. Please contact the guide directly through the official channel of zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. (No third-party guide recommendations here.)
Guided walks add personal context to the objects and help connect the synagogue’s interior to the wider history of Kazimierz. Tours can be tailored for adults, teachers or families. Please check availability in advance. (No external links provided.)
Where is it? The Old Synagogue is located at Szeroka 24 in the Kazimierz district of Kraków.
Typical opening hours - summary: Monday often has shorter hours (morning to early afternoon); regularly open most days from mid-morning to late afternoon. Last admission is usually 30 minutes before closing. Hours change on public and religious holidays, so check the museum timetable before you go.
Tickets - typical fees: around 20 PLN for an adult, reduced and family options are usually available; some Mondays may offer free admission or reduced access. Ticket desks operate on site; many branches also allow small-group guided visits for an additional fee.
Accessibility - the historic fabric limits full accessibility in places. If you need assistance or have mobility concerns, contact the museum in advance to plan the visit.
Photography - interior photography for personal use is usually allowed without flash; be respectful and avoid disrupting service or other visitors.
How long should I plan? For a relaxed visit and a short walk to neighboring synagogues and the Remuh area, allow 60–90 minutes. A longer, more photographic or educational visit can take 2 hours.
Nearby cafés and breaks - good nearby options on and around Szeroka and Plac Nowy include several local cafés and small eateries where you can rest after the visit. For a quick sweet stop try a café on Szeroka; for more choices head to Plac Nowy.
