The Remuh Synagogue and the adjacent cemetery are one of those places in Kraków that don’t need a lot of time to leave a lasting impression. Yes — in 120 minutes you can see the most important parts, feel the atmosphere and learn a few key facts about the place and its people. A melex helps keep the pace and conserve energy: it takes you comfortably to the starting point near Szeroka Street, drives you between Kazimierz’s highlights and brings you back without unnecessary walking through crowds, while still leaving time for calm stops at the synagogue and along the cemetery paths.
If you plan a short, focused visit — a melex is a good option for people with limited time, families with small children or visitors who prefer to avoid long walks on the cobbled streets of Kazimierz.
This article gives you a practical 2-hour plan, etiquette rules, a handful of surprising facts and recommendations for well-rated cafés and restaurants nearby.
The Remuh Synagogue was founded in the 16th century and is named after Rabbi Moses Isserles, one of the most outstanding Jewish scholars from the Polish lands. Next to it lies the old cemetery, where matzevot (tombstones) dating from the 16th to the 19th century have been preserved — the necropolis fragments remind visitors of the centuries-long Jewish tradition in Kazimierz.
After World War II the site underwent cleaning and restoration; during work many tombstones were discovered and some fragments were incorporated into the street-facing wall, which today serves as a visible trace of history. The synagogue continues to function as a place of prayer — so visiting requires respect and awareness of religious rules.
Important: Remuh is not only an historical monument but also a living community and a place of memory — sometimes the site is closed during services or Jewish holidays.
00:00–00:10 - Start and a short introduction at Szeroka: the melex drops you near the synagogue. Spend 5–10 minutes taking in the façade and the first impressions of the place.
00:10–00:30 - Synagogue exterior and entrance: approach the portal slowly and look around the courtyard. If the interior is open — go inside for a short visit (10–15 min). Look for the bimah, the aron ha-kodesh and the ner tamid.
00:30–00:55 - Remuh Cemetery: enter through the gate and follow the main avenue. Take time to read symbols (the priestly hands of a Cohen, menorahs, ritual objects). This is a moment for quiet reflection and close-up photos of carved details.
00:55–01:10 - Short break and local flavors: the melex will drop you at a nearby café or small eatery — 15 minutes for coffee and a snack.
01:10–01:40 - Mini tour around the neighborhood: the melex drives along Szeroka and Miodowa with a short stop by the Tempel Synagogue or other visible points; it’s a good time for photos and to compare architectural details.
01:40–02:00 - Closing and recommendations: return to Szeroka for a brief summary of the most interesting details and tips on where to come back for a longer visit. The melex returns you to your chosen start point or to your hotel.
Dress: covered shoulders and knees are a required sign of respect in a sacred space. Men should wear a head covering; if they don’t have one, single-use head coverings are often available at the entrance.
Silence and concentration: avoid loud conversations and noise — keep quiet on the cemetery grounds and mute your phone.
Photography: photos are allowed from a distance and of details, but not during ongoing prayers; do not climb on matzevot or lean on graves.
Moving around the cemetery: keep to the paths and do not step on tombstones or their bases; instead of flowers, it is customary to leave a small stone on the grave as a sign of remembrance.
Opening times and access: the synagogue and cemetery have specific opening hours, and entry can be limited on Saturdays and during Jewish holidays — it’s best to check current hours before your visit or plan to come outside Shabbat.
Tickets and visits: depending on the day the synagogue interior may require a small fee or entry with a guide; short exterior visits usually do not require a ticket. The melex is typically reserved separately — make sure your booking includes a stop at Remuh and time for a walk in the cemetery.
Transport and mobility: melexes operate on the narrow streets of Kazimierz, but the cemetery and parts of the synagogue area have uneven cobbles and paths — visitors with limited mobility should contact the organizer in advance to agree the most convenient approach.
Hamsa - Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, popular for its pleasant atmosphere and fresh mezze.
Cheder Cafe - a cosy café good for a quick coffee and a light dessert; a recommended spot for a short rest between stops.
Alchemia - an iconic Kazimierz venue known for its atmospheric interior; a good option if you want something stronger after the walk and evening music.
When choosing a place, consider current reviews and guest feedback — pick venues with stable quality and high ratings.
The Remuh Cemetery is slightly older than the neighboring synagogue — the gravestones tell a long story about the life and hierarchy of Kraków’s Jewish community.
During postwar clearing works hundreds of tombstones were uncovered; fragments of some stones were later used in the wall along Szeroka Street, visible today as an unexpected element of material memory.
Remuh is one of the few synagogues in Kraków where regular services are still held — a reminder that Kazimierz is not only history but also a living culture.
Arriving on Saturday without checking times — many sites are closed for Shabbat; check the day and hours in advance.
Wearing inappropriate clothing and taking loud photos during services — prepare a simple set of modest clothes and respect silence.
Walking off the cemetery paths and leaving flowers instead of the traditional stone — learn the local customs to avoid unintended disrespect.
Can I enter the synagogue? Yes, short visits inside are often possible, but this depends on hours and services — check the day of your visit.
How much is admission? Often brief exterior viewing is free; entering the interior may carry a small symbolic fee or require joining a guided group — verify current information before arrival.
Will the melex get you to the very entrance? Melexes can bring you very close but won’t drive onto cemetery grounds — they stop at a convenient point that allows a short walk.
Bring comfortable shoes, a head covering for men, a small bottle of water and a notebook — even a short visit offers many details worth noting.
If you enjoyed this plan — share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to hear Remuh and all of Kazimierz tell their stories without hurry, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a local guide. Details and reservations are available via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Thank you for visiting and I wish you a calm, respectful encounter with history.
