The Tempel Synagogue in Kazimierz surprises visitors not only with its rich Art Nouveau decoration but above all with its set of stained-glass windows — one of the few complete stained-glass ensembles in a synagogue preserved in Poland. It’s a great starting point if you want to combine a walk around Kazimierz with an artistic and historical appreciation of the city.
The Tempel Synagogue was built in the 19th century (1860–1862) as a place of worship for a progressive community and was distinctive from the start: on the façade and inside you can notice Moorish‑Neo‑Renaissance elements, gilding and ornamental motifs often associated with Art Nouveau. The windows on the ground and upper floors preserve a rich set of stained glass — several dozen compositions with geometric and floral motifs and Jewish symbolism, funded by members of the local community.
The Tempel windows are not typical ‘biblical scenes’ — plant motifs, geometric patterns, symbolic representations of the Temple and Judaica elements (for example the menorah or lions) dominate. This is a rare example of synagogue glasswork where tradition meets the decorative language fashionable in the 19th century. When you look, pay attention to donor signatures that sometimes appear on fragments of the glass.
Stanisław Wyspiański is a name worth adding to your ‘who to look for’ list in Krakow. His most famous stained-glass works are, among others, in the Church of the Franciscan Fathers — these compositions are innovative: the artist abandoned the medieval division into small panels and worked across the whole window surface, creating large, almost painterly planes. Recognizable works are commonly referred to as “God the Father”, “Saint Francis” or “Blessed Salomea”. Wyspiański personally took part in selecting glass (including consulting shade choices with a workshop in Innsbruck).
Suggested short route: start at the Tempel Synagogue (Miodowa Street), view the interior and the windows, then walk along Miodowa and through Kazimierz towards Izaak and the High Synagogue — this will let you compare different types of synagogue architecture. If you have more time: continue to Szeroka Street and head to the Franciscan Church to see Wyspiański’s stained glass.
In the morning (around 9:00–11:00) you’ll often catch soft side light on facades and find fewer people inside. The late afternoon, from about an hour before sunset, gives warm light on façade details and makes interior colors of stained glass glow — the glass colors then ‘shine’ beautifully. Avoid the midday sun when contrasts can be harsh and window details are harder to capture. When photographing inside: do not use flash, and be mindful of the space and other visitors.
Synagogues and churches are places of worship and memory — keep quiet, dress appropriately (some sites ask for covered shoulders or head coverings in certain contexts) and ask before photographing interiors if signage is not clear. Many sites charge admission or have set opening hours, so check current details at the venue or at the local tourist information point. Some places have stairs and limited accessibility for people with mobility challenges.
Kazimierz has many well‑rated cafés and restaurants — after visiting the Tempel it’s worth taking a short break in one of the local cafés or eateries. Around Plac Nowy you’ll find famous street snacks (including the classic zapiekanka at the well‑known ‘Okrąglik’), and on Szeroka and Miodowa there are numerous bars and restaurants serving Mediterranean and Israeli‑inspired dishes popular with visitors. If you’re looking for a book with your coffee, Kazimierz also has café‑bookshops—great for a longer rest and planning the next part of your route.
- Wyspiański’s stained glass in the Franciscan Church is an example of a breakthrough: the artist treated the window as a huge canvas, a bold solution at the time.
- Donor signatures have survived on some Tempel windows — a valuable clue to local family histories and patronage.
- Unlike many other historic synagogues, the Tempel represents a more modern and ‘open’ approach by its community, visible in the interior layout and decorative elements.
Setting out ‘at random’ — it’s better to plan a short loop around Kazimierz to see several complementary sites.
Spending too little time inside each building — allow at least 20–30 minutes for the Tempel and 30–45 minutes if you also want to see the Franciscan Church and its windows.
Using flash photography — it spoils the atmosphere and can disturb others. Use longer exposures or a higher ISO when needed.
Lack of respect for places of memory — behave quietly and appropriately, remembering Kazimierz’s historical context.
Do I have to buy a ticket to the Tempel Synagogue? - Many synagogues charge admission or offer reduced tickets; check opening hours and rules on the day of your visit at the venue or at the tourist information point in Krakow.
Can I take photos inside? - Generally yes, but without flash; sometimes interiors are partially closed or photographic restrictions apply during exhibits.
How much time should I plan for a stained-glass route? - Short walk: 45–90 minutes (Tempel + Izaak/High Synagogue + Szeroka/Franciscans). If you plan to visit museums or read more about history, allow half a day.
Are sites accessible for wheelchairs? - Not all are; many historic interiors include stairs. If accessibility is important, ask in advance about entry options and alternative routes.
Kazimierz is a district where history meets art — from the Tempel, Izaak and High synagogues to the Art Nouveau and modernist stained-glass works of Wyspiański. A stained‑glass walk is a chance to notice less obvious details of Krakow: historic patronage, artistic commissions and the ways different communities shaped the city’s appearance.
If you’d like, I can help plan a route tailored to your time and interests — and if you prefer a guided visit with a local guide, consider services by the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
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