The Tempel Synagogue stands out on the Kazimierz map not only for its beautiful and unusual architecture but also for its rich history. Built between 1860 and 1862 and designed by Ignacy Hercok, the building blends Moorish and neo‑Renaissance elements. Inside you’ll find many colorful stained‑glass windows — their number and decorative character are striking. This was once a place where religious life met modern currents of thought, and today it serves as a space of memory, concerts and local cultural events.
The synagogue is located at Miodowa Street 24, in the heart of Kraków’s former Jewish quarter. For visitors who want to learn about the place calmly and with context, a private tour with a guide is a great advantage: you can ask questions, set a pace that suits children, and focus on historical threads that interest you most.
If you plan to visit with family or want to combine Tempel with other Kazimierz attractions, a private tour helps make the most of your time and avoid waiting in lines.
Tempel differs from many older synagogues in Kraków — its style and interior reflect European neo‑Renaissance influences and an openness to contemporary cultural life. In the 19th century, services here included a choir alongside the cantor, and women’s participation was allowed — at the time this was a relatively progressive approach.
The interior has preserved colorful stained glass that makes a strong impression on visitors. The building has survived many changes over time and was not completely destroyed during the war, which makes it one of the most important surviving reminders of prewar Jewish life in Kraków.
Today Tempel also functions as a cultural venue — concerts and events attract both locals and tourists. On days with events, entrance may be ticketed differently than for standard visits.
Ticketing for synagogues and museum branches in Kraków is not uniform — different sites have different rules. Some synagogues managed by museum institutions offer family tickets or discounts, while others operate as active houses of worship or cultural centers and have separate entry policies and prices.
When planning a visit with children, check opening hours and ticket availability a few days in advance. For cultural events (concerts, festivals) tickets are often sold separately and usually have different pricing; event prices can be higher than regular entrance fees.
If you want a relaxed visit without surprises, consider booking a private guided tour — the guide can handle entry formalities, advise whether to buy tickets on site or online, and tell you which family options are available that day.
Set a specific meeting time and discuss your expectations in advance: do you want the guide to focus on architectural history, the life of the Jewish community, or stories and fun facts for children? A private tour is flexible and allows you to tailor the route to your family’s rhythm.
Plan time for breaks — especially if you’re visiting with small children. Kazimierz has several family‑friendly cafés and spots for a quick meal. Your guide can recommend the best places depending on your tastes and the children’s ages.
If you want photos without crowds, choose early morning or late afternoon. For cultural events, plan ahead because seating can be limited.
Children engage best when stories are short, concrete and illustrated. A private guide can prepare simple, fun narratives about the place, point out architectural details and stained glass, and ask questions that spark curiosity.
Bring small props: a simple map, a sketchbook, or stickers. Short games — for example, finding a particular pattern in a stained‑glass window — help keep little ones focused.
Remember comfortable clothes and shoes. Many historic interiors have limited space for strollers — if you plan to bring one, check accessibility and possible steps in advance.
Kazimierz is packed with attractions: a walk along Szeroka Street and around the Old Synagogue, a visit to the Remuh Synagogue, or a stop at atmospheric cafés can make for a full family day. A private route lets you combine these points efficiently without wasting time finding your way.
If you enjoy music and cultural events, look up the local festival calendar — many concerts take place at Tempel and in other Kazimierz venues. On concert days the atmosphere is special, though entry may require a separate ticket.
For families with small children, leave time for playgrounds and a coffee break — a short pause after sightseeing helps everyone recharge before continuing.
Check opening hours in advance — some places have seasonal schedules and days off. A common mistake is arriving just before closing time; it’s better to plan your visit so you have time to look around calmly.
Don’t assume all synagogues follow the same ticketing policy. If family tickets are important to you, ask the specific site or your guide about available discounts and family booking options.
Avoid flash photography in historic interiors and be mindful of appropriate behavior. Respect for the site and the local community matters — your private guide will explain customs and basic etiquette.
A private tour provides comfort, a personal approach and time savings, especially when traveling with family. The guide will adapt stories to participants’ ages, take care of ticket details and advise how to plan the rest of your day in Kraków.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — recommendations help others plan their trips. If you want to book a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, you can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Booking a trusted guide is an easy way to ensure a relaxed, thoughtful and family‑friendly exploration of Kazimierz.
