Krakow Kazimierz

Krakow’s Kazimierz District - A short Overview

Kazimierz is the historical district of Krakow and is most well known for being the home of the city’s Jewish community. Once Krakow’s medieval twin town, Kazimierz was founded by King Kazimierz in 1335 and later became a part of the city, rather than a separate entity.

It was during the 15^th century that many Jews were forced out of the main part of Krakow to Kazimierz, where they built a Fortress synagogue, the Old Synagogue. After World War II, the district lost most of it’s Jewish residents but in 1988 the first annual Jewish Cultural Festival was held and has since drawn many Jews back to the area, which is now home to several synagogues and other Jewish cultural sites.

Aside from being home to the city’s Jewish population, the district has also become quite a trendy area. Though most of the district was destroyed throughout the war, it’s being quickly built back up and restored back to it’s originally beauty. Various sites in the district include the Corpus Christi Church, the Galicia Museum and Remuh or the New, intriguing cemeteries.

And though the district has many historical traits, it’s also becoming quite modern and is the location of many trendy bars and cafes. Frequented by the city’s younger, more hip population, these establishments have breathed new life in to Kazimierz. Today the nightclubs and bars in the district are open until the early morning hours and serve as a great place for locals and tourists to unwind with a cocktail while enjoying the historical atmosphere of the district.

The revitalization of Kazimierz is still far from over. While ruins of the old district can still be seen from every corner, there’s also something new being built or restored everywhere you look. Whether you want to catch a glimpse of the country’s Jewish history or medieval architecture or simply want to mingle with the locals at a hip bar or club, Kazimierz is where you’ll want to be.

Tags: Krakow