Embark on a deeply moving and educational journey through the Jewish District of Kazimierz and the remnants of the Nazi Ghetto in Krakow. This walking tour offers a profound look at the rich Jewish heritage that once flourished in Kazimierz, as well as the harrowing history of the Jewish community during the Nazi occupation in World War II.
Jewish District – Kazimierz
The tour begins in Kazimierz, which for many centuries was a place of coexistence and intermingling of ethnic Polish and Jewish cultures until the Holocaust. You will explore the heart of this historic district, visiting key synagogues like the Old Synagogue, one of the oldest surviving examples of Jewish religious architecture in Poland, and the Remuh Synagogue, which is still active with a cemetery that dates back to the 16th century. These sites not only provide a backdrop for understanding Jewish life in Krakow before the war but also serve as poignant reminders of the community’s near destruction.
As you walk the cobbled streets of Kazimierz, our guide will share stories of notable Jewish residents, the district’s development, its role in the cultural and social life of Polish Jews, and how this vibrant neighborhood was transformed during and after the war.
Nazi Ghetto
The tour will then lead you to the area that was designated as the Nazi Ghetto during World War II. Here, you will visit Ghetto Heroes Square, where metal chairs stand as a stark memorial to the tragedy of the Holocaust. Each chair represents 1,000 of the ghetto’s victims, symbolizing the emptiness and loss felt when the area’s Jewish population was forcibly relocated, and many were sent to their deaths.
You will also see the exterior of the Eagle Pharmacy, run by Tadeusz Pankiewicz, the only Polish pharmacist allowed to operate in the ghetto. The pharmacy became a crucial meeting point for the ghetto’s residents and a cover for various acts of resistance. Stories of human courage and solidarity come alive as you hear about the risks Pankiewicz and others took to help Jewish families.
The walk will then pass by the remnants of the ghetto walls and end near the site of Oskar Schindler’s Factory. While the tour does not include entry to the factory, it provides an overview of Schindler’s efforts to save his Jewish workers and the broader impact of his actions as seen in the film “Schindler’s List.”
Reflective and Educational Experience
Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable guides will provide in-depth commentary on the historical context of each site, sharing anecdotes and historical facts that paint a vivid picture of Kazimierz past. This tour is not just about seeing historical sites but understanding the stories of the people who lived and died in these places, the culture they fostered, and the legacy they left behind.
Join us for this poignant exploration of Kazimierz Jewish heritage and the dark times of the Nazi occupation, and gain a deeper understanding of the enduring spirit of the city’s Jewish community.
Embark on a journey through Kazimierz Jewish history and the tragic past of the Nazi Ghetto. Book your tour today and gain insights into the resilience and courage of Krakow’s Jewish community during WWII.
A personal tour just for you and your group of up to 10 people.
