The Tempel Synagogue was built between 1860 and 1862 and stands out for its neo‑Renaissance style with Moorish elements. One of the most beautiful and least obvious details are the colorful stained glass windows — their richness gives the interior a warm, unique atmosphere. The interior also preserves a monumental aron ha‑kodesh made of white marble, colorful polychrome ceilings and a women’s gallery; together these elements form a coherent, elegant whole worth seeing at a relaxed pace. For decades Tempel has been a site of important cultural and religious events and has been associated with many notable figures from Krakow’s intellectual life.
The synagogue is located in the heart of Kazimierz, so transport and short walks are easy to plan. The interior is relatively compact — you don’t need to cover long distances to see the main features. The calm atmosphere and the option to sit by the bimah or on benches make the visit undemanding physically, and the wealth of architectural details provides many topics for conversation and reflection.
Address: ul. Miodowa 24, Kazimierz — very close to the main points of the Old Town and other synagogues. Opening hours can be seasonal: in summer Tempel is usually open around 10:00–18:00, and in colder months for shorter hours; Saturdays and Jewish holidays are typically closed. Admission is often symbolic or in the form of a small contribution (roughly a few to a dozen złoty) — it’s a good idea to have small change on hand or to ask before entering. We always recommend calling or checking current hours before you go, especially if you’re visiting on a specific date.
Buildings in Kazimierz were built across different periods, so the area around the synagogue can include cobbles, uneven pavement and a few steps at the entrance. Accessibility details can vary — if someone has limited mobility, it’s worth contacting the site staff in advance to ask about possible accommodations. If long walks should be avoided, consider a taxi to the door or planning shorter walking segments with breaks in nearby cafés. Restroom facilities in historic sites may be limited — it’s often better to use a café or public facility before entering.
Look for the bimah, the aron ha‑kodesh and the women’s gallery — these elements tell the story of the liturgy and community life. The stained glass with floral and geometric motifs is highly decorative and sometimes contains donors’ inscriptions; in good light they look particularly impressive. Also pay attention to the ceiling polychromes and the marble details — these give the interior the elegant feel typical of progressive 19th‑century synagogues.
After visiting Tempel it’s worth planning a short walk: the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Cemetery and the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz are only a few steps away. Plac Nowy with its characteristic market and the well‑known food stalls is a good place for a break. For those who want to rest with a good coffee or a light meal, choose cafés with stable good reviews and a calm atmosphere — these are perfect spots to sit longer and talk about what you’ve seen.
Kazimierz offers many well‑rated restaurants and cafés — when looking for reliable options, pick places with good reviews and a relaxed atmosphere. Mediterranean and Jewish‑inspired menus suit the district’s mood very well; booking a table at popular spots can help avoid queues. A coffee or light lunch after the visit is an excellent way to recharge before continuing your walk.
Don’t visit the synagogue on Saturday — most synagogues are closed for Shabbat. Don’t assume every historic site has restrooms — plan breaks in cafés. Avoid long, intensive walking routes without rests, especially in bad weather — Kazimierz has cobbled streets and uneven pavements. Remember appropriate dress and respect for the place — although Tempel is more open and cultural in character, modest clothing and restrained behavior are recommended.
Do I need to buy a ticket? - Usually admission is by a symbolic contribution; amounts are small, so it’s useful to have small change. Is the synagogue open on weekends? - Saturday and Jewish holidays are generally days when the site is closed. Can I take photos? - In most cases photos are allowed for private use, but it’s polite to ask staff first. Are there places to sit? - Yes, there are benches and spots to pause inside; visits can be done slowly with breaks. What about accessibility? - Visitors with limited mobility should contact staff in advance to confirm available accommodations.
Tempel has not only served for worship — it was also a place for debates and patriotic commemorations, which makes it an interesting stop when telling the multicultural history of Krakow. If you can, plan your visit during local cultural events — the synagogue often participates in the Jewish Culture Festival and hosts concerts, which is a wonderful opportunity to hear music in a striking setting. Combining the visit with a short break in a nearby café is a proven way to keep seniors comfortable and give everyone time to talk about what they’ve seen.
If you liked this suggested walk through Kazimierz, share the article with family or friends — it makes planning joint outings easier. If you want the visit to be even more comfortable and tailored to seniors’ needs, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good planning, a relaxed pace and coffee breaks will make the Tempel Synagogue a beautiful and comfortable highlight for visitors of all ages. Thank you for reading and enjoy your time in Krakow!
