Yes - these three sites together reveal different layers of Krakow’s history: religious life and memory in Jewish Kazimierz and the material traces of the medieval city centre under the Market Square. The Remuh Synagogue and its adjacent cemetery offer silence, reflection and layers of memory reaching back to the 16th century. The Rynek Underground, on the other hand, is a spectacular multimedia journey into the past of Krakow’s commercial heart. Visiting both in one day gives a rich, complementary picture of the city.
The Remuh Synagogue stands on Szeroka Street and is named after Moses Isserles (Remu) — a distinguished rabbi and authority in Jewish law. It is an intimate, active 16th-century house of prayer whose interior is still used for worship. Right next to it is the old Jewish cemetery — one of the oldest preserved Jewish cemeteries in Poland. The grave of Remu draws visitors and pilgrims, and the scattered tombstones and lush greenery create an intimate space of remembrance.
Visiting Remuh is an encounter with the symbolism of the matzevot (tombstones), the history of the Kazimierz Jewish community and a relic of traditions that, despite the tragedies of the 20th century, remain alive here. It is worth taking a moment to read inscriptions, notice the symbols and sense the scale of history written in stone.
The Rynek Underground is an extensive archaeological exhibition beneath the eastern part of the Main Market Square that presents the remains of townhouses, market stalls, former routes and urban infrastructure. The display combines reconstructions, spatial reconstructions and multimedia — a kind of "time travel" often appealing to families and to visitors who want to see the city from an unusual perspective.
In the underground exhibition you will see fragments of former buildings and traces of crafts and trade. The museum aims to show how the medieval market centre functioned and what everyday life around the Market Square looked like. Tours usually follow designated routes and can include multimedia elements and interactive zones for younger visitors.
Remuh Synagogue and cemetery: the address is Szeroka Street 40 in the Kazimierz district. The site is sometimes open on weekdays and Sundays, while it is usually closed on Saturdays and on Jewish religious holidays - so it is worth checking opening times before you go. Visiting the synagogue interior and entering the cemetery is often subject to a small admission fee (typically symbolic, around 10-15 PLN, depending on the organiser).
Rynek Underground: entrance from the Main Market Square (address: Rynek G2wny 1). The museum operates as part of the Museum of Krakow; standard on-site ticket prices are roughly in the range indicated by the museum and there are also family and group tickets. The last admission is often set about 30 minutes before closing. For reservation and further information, contact the Museum of Krakow visitor centre.
The Rynek Underground has fixed opening hours and limited space on the tour route - therefore it is best to buy a ticket online for a selected time slot and arrive punctually. Booking in advance also helps avoid queues during the high season.
For the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery you can often come without a reservation, but during festivals or busy tourist days there may be a short line and an entrance fee charged on arrival. If you plan to visit on a Saturday or during Jewish holidays, check current opening times first - the site may be closed for religious reasons.
Remuh is a sacred place and a site of remembrance - keep quiet, do not disturb those praying and respect the cemetery grounds. Modest dress is required in the synagogue; men are asked to cover their heads when entering (many places provide disposable head coverings). Avoid loud behaviour and using tripods for photos during prayer times.
Do not touch matzevot unless necessary and do not walk on graves. Photographing is usually allowed, but during services or prayers it is best to refrain from taking pictures. Respect local customs relating to religious ceremonies.
The grave of Moses Isserles (Remu) has been a pilgrimage site for centuries - many have come here to seek intercession. This local tradition gives the cemetery not only historical but also spiritual significance.
The Rynek Underground reveals fragments of everyday life from long ago - these are not just "old walls" but a full story of trade, craft workshops and water systems. For many visitors the most surprising feeling is that of an "inverted city" - you see what is normally hidden and realise that historical Krakow existed on many levels at once.
Kazimierz is full of great places to eat after sightseeing. Choose well-reviewed restaurants - there are establishments serving Jewish cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, and many popular cafes and bars. After visiting Remuh, a cup of coffee and something warm will be a pleasant stop before you continue exploring the city.
If you plan to stay overnight, pick accommodation around the Old Town or Kazimierz - these are the most convenient locations if you want to visit both the synagogues and the Rynek Underground without spending much time on transport. In the high season, book early - hotels and apartments in the centre fill up fast.
Not checking opening hours - many sites in Kazimierz are closed on Saturdays and during Jewish holidays. Before you set out, check current opening times or call the information point.
Inappropriate clothing in sacred places - short outfits and bare shoulders can be seen as disrespectful; it is better to have a light scarf to cover your shoulders and longer trousers or a skirt. Men should remember to have a head covering for the synagogue.
Buying tickets at the last minute during peak season - it is better to reserve a Rynek Underground ticket in advance to avoid long queues or sold-out time slots.
Can I photograph inside Remuh Synagogue and in the cemetery? Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be respectful of worshippers and avoid taking pictures during services. Do not photograph in a way that disturbs local worshippers.
Is the Remuh Synagogue active? Yes, Remuh is an active synagogue, so at some times only part of the building may be available to tourists. The safest plan is to visit outside the Sabbath (Saturday) and Jewish holidays.
How much does admission to the Rynek Underground cost? Standard ticket prices are set by the Museum of Krakow; there are normal and reduced tickets as well as family and group options. Because visitor numbers are limited, buying tickets in advance is recommended.
If you want to feel the multi-layered nature of Krakow, combine a visit to Remuh with a trip to the Rynek Underground and a walk through Kazimierz. Give yourself time to pause - these places work best when you are unhurried and let the history speak at your own pace.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to explore with a tailor-made route, you are invited to use the services of private guide Ma2gorzata Kasprowicz - details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website. Enjoy your visit and thank you for your trust - Krakow has many stories to tell, and these three sites are only the beginning of the adventure.
